FleaBagger (33.08)

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#1) On April 26, 2010 at 11:10 PM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

Forgot to link to the explanation of the Daniel Fast.

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#2) On April 26, 2010 at 11:37 PM, whereaminow (73.77) wrote:

Wow, thanks Flea.  We do have a really great community here and you're a big part of it.  I always smile when I see your name in the comments section of my posts because I know you are supportive.  I would love to meet together with you guys.  I do make it back to the USSA a couple of times a year.  Speaking of which.... I will be in Sacramento, San Fran, and Napa over the last two weeks in May.  If anyone lives in that area, let me know.

Why are you homeless?

David in Qatar

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#3) On April 27, 2010 at 12:01 AM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

Homeless by choice. I am a radical disciple of Christ, and like my Master, have "nowhere to lay my head." (Matthew 8:20) Of course, I stay with willing hosts whenever I can, including my extended family, but the principle of wandering and finding a more radical destiny is the same. Maybe someday I'll settle into a home, but if I do, I want to practice radical hospitality.

Taking this radicalism to politics, I use the hermeneutic that if something is demonstrably best, it's probably what God wanted all along, and I find God's commands to us in Scripture to be very compatible with anarchy, particularly "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you." (Matthew 20:25,26) So that when we are told to pay taxes and submit to authority, it is in contrast to our responsibility not to be a part of a governing authority. So Scripture commands us to submit, but also not to "lord it over" "exercise authority over" anyone. This is exactly what I had intuited as best: hold freedom (anarchy) in your heart, but do what is needed to get along with tyrants, so long as you are not called upon to do evil yourself.

If you go back and look at my oldest blog posts and comments on CAPS, you can see that I was raised Reagan conservative, but gradually grew out of it, through a combination of learning the superiority of privately provided national defense, and simply trusting God that if we follow the ways of the Prince of Peace, we will not be betraying the helpless people of the world into the hands of rampaging terrorists (or what have you).

If I reach California before the end of May, I'll see if I can look you up. 

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#4) On April 27, 2010 at 12:14 AM, pencils2 (99.86) wrote:

Hi Flea and David (whereaminow),

It'd be great to meet up with you and any others interested! Definitely let me know here on CAPS or at FreedomChatter@gmail.com.

David, I live an hour and a half from Sacramento, you interested in meeting up in May when you're around? Maybe drop me an email and we can work out some details. I'm finishing up high school so things may be a little hectic but it's worth it to meet some fellow Fools!

Stay in touch.

Best,

David 

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#5) On April 27, 2010 at 12:18 AM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

It occurred to me that someone reading this may be scandalized by reading my prescription to "get along with tyrants," and I want to clarify.

I want to point out that this neither is unusual, nor does it condone tyranny. If you pay taxes, you get along with the tyrants of your country, and do so wisely for your own good. Taking a principled stand is admirable in intention, but a disastrous breach of pragmatism, as seen by the imprisonment of Irwin Schiff. Peter Schiff, then, takes the pragmatic route of paying taxes. This is not "selling out," or if it is, there is something to be said for a prudent degree of "selling out."

I'm no historian, but I think learned historians can back me up on this: the most effective resistances against tyranny were passive, informational, and/or secretive. Many Christians rail against situational ethics, particularly lying and keeping secrets for a just cause, but I would like to point out that Rahab the prostitute is commended in James 2 specifically for lying to Jericho's authorities to protect the Hebrew spies. She is our example of passive resistance. So if your grandfather was a German who lied to the Nazis to protect innocent Jews, do not be ashamed of him for lying, but celebrate him following Rahab's example, for she was "justified by works," specifically, the work of lying to authorities.

So I endorse every attempt to advance freedom, undermine tyranny, and protect the innocent, except those that employ violence, or get you needlessly imprisoned. I say "needlessly," because if you are conscripted into an army that is committing atrocities, it is better for you to go to prison than to participate in the atrocities. 

There you have it, a brief explanation of the anarchist gospel, by Fleabagger. 

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#6) On April 27, 2010 at 12:23 AM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

David K: "finishing up high school"? I already knew, but I still can't believe how young you are! You are one of my heroes, for being so accomplished and so lucid at such a young age. I will definitely try to visit you in California as I pass through. I want to talk with you about what life is like in the statist state. I thought it would be even more economically difficult and oppressive than the rest of the USSA, but I guess your family must live there for a reason. (Then again, I'm tentatively planning to go up to the People's Republic of Washington, if I can't get hired as a ranch hand in New Mexico or Colorado.)

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#7) On April 27, 2010 at 1:45 AM, whereaminow (73.77) wrote:

Awesome Flea!  Great post and comment.

David K, we'll be in touch.  

David in Qatar

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#8) On April 27, 2010 at 1:58 AM, DaretothREdux (48.12) wrote:

FleaBagger,

I have been absent on CAPS lately, but I will have my own house in Kentucky soon. You, my CAPS friend are welcome in my spare bedroom anytime, especially if you are bringing good beer along. We may have to have a cook off though!

Dare

P.S. We shall be in touch.

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#9) On April 27, 2010 at 10:14 AM, lemoneater (86.84) wrote:

Safe travels, Flea, you have a unique opportunity to share the good news about Jesus with others on your travels. I respect someone who follows his convictions. Too many Christians avoid discussing ethical dilemmas. It is foolish to assume that one will never be faced with hard decisions. As much as possible I want to live quietly and peaceably, but not ignorantly!

I'm also a follower of Christ, but I believe it is biblical to pay taxes because Jesus also did as recorded in Luke 20. http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/index.php?q=luke20:20-25&niv=yes

Politically we are different, but we are one in Christ.

 

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#10) On April 27, 2010 at 11:03 AM, pencils2 (99.86) wrote:

Dare, what part of Kentucky? I'll be going to Berea College in Berea, KY this fall. Possibly a meetup later this year?

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#11) On April 27, 2010 at 11:48 AM, SolarisKing (< 20) wrote:

Ok. I don't know if you know how to farm, or if you really like work, but. . .  i do have an organic farm in Colorado. We are the oldest organic farm in Colorado and have 24 acres or fruit and 5 acres of vegatables.

   We do accept interns, guest, and travelers. We do have a few community rules that you may find unacceptable, but if you would like to talk more let me know here, and i will get up with you in private.

   A 'for instance' about the community rules; we have 5 houses and 10 tent spots and up to 50 folks a year come through here, as well as the 12 folks that live in the houses. All dogs must be leashed until the 'dog crew' OKs the dog with the chickens and ducks and cats. We also, out of consideration for the women and children and cultured folks, don't drink in public (though i myself will enjoy a local organic stout once in a while when i'm in town).

  Some of us are 'vegan', and some of us are 'christian' and most of us are 'counterculture' and have done the walkabout, but i must stress; this is a real farm, and to stay for more than a couple weeks would mean you would have to work (for me, i am the general manager).
   We do have need of cooks, and young healthy bodies, and computer skills. I personally would think it would be a blast to have you drop by on your way, or even stay a while.

   You would be required though, to keep my secret identity a secret.   ; )

That's mostly true for the rest of you fools also. Set up a date, and feel free to visit me in western Colorado. Just give me notice first. Right now the cherries and apricots are in bloom, and the peaches will bloom next.

Solaris

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#12) On April 27, 2010 at 11:58 AM, DaretothREdux (48.12) wrote:

pencils2,

I live in the Lexington area. You will be less than an hour away. We will certainly have to have a get together. Also, thanks for continuing to post my old articles even though I have not been very productive on the writing front as of late.

Dare

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#13) On April 27, 2010 at 2:39 PM, ChrisGraley (31.73) wrote:

Thanks fror the offer Fleabagger.

 

I travel quite a bit so it's a definite possibility. Keep us posted on your travels.

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#14) On April 27, 2010 at 7:50 PM, ChrisGraley (31.73) wrote:

Also Solaris I would like to fit some time in somewhere to come out and visit you.

 

I'd like to see what communal life is like.

 

Also I was born in Colorado Springs and haven't been to the state since I was a baby.

I've got to figure out some type of excuse to get out that way and fit it in my schedule.

Also, I'd like to see the process of determining a chicken friendly dog.

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#15) On April 27, 2010 at 9:12 PM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

Wow! I'm delighted to see the response my blog has gotten. Thanks for your offer, Solaris. I guess I'll quell my fears and follow David's brave example and just give you my addy:

cleverd "at" (gmail).com,

No, that's not a new addy format, it's just a defense against email address-finding robotic internet trawlers. They exist. They look like the hunter-killers in the Matrix.

Anyway, I really appreciate the offer, Solaris. I would love to try my hand at farming, even if I can't cut it in the long run. I think I can cook pretty well, and if you can teach me what else you'd want me to do, I'd love to try to help out.

I don't know when I'll be in Colorado, but I'm in Daingerfield, TX now, and I'm aiming to go to Edmond, OK and KC, MO next. (And perhaps Dallas before those two.) It will probably be at least two weeks before I get to CO, and possibly much longer. 

Dare: I don't know if I'll backtrack to Kentucky on this trip. I wish I'd thought to mention this when I was still in Nashville, TN.

lemoneater: I believe in paying taxes, too. I thought I had made that clear in my comments, but perhaps it needs restating. Then again, perhaps you were just agreeing with me. At any rate, thanks for your input and well-wishes.

Graley: While I'm in Colorado, Lord willing (and Solaris willing), I'll see if I can make a video of "the process of determining a chicken friendly dog" and post it. 

All: thanks so much for the response here. It is truly encouraging.

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#16) On April 27, 2010 at 9:31 PM, tonylogan1 (28.64) wrote:

I'd be willing to meet up with some CAPsters in SoCAL, but we'd have to meet on neutral ground so no one can get a view of where my emergency honey is stored.

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#17) On April 27, 2010 at 9:34 PM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

I don't know where my brain is at anymore: here's the link to the original conversation (which I should have posted in my blog post in the first place):

whereaminow on inflation and deflation, and the comparative economic history of the U.S. and the rest of the world. 

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#18) On April 27, 2010 at 9:38 PM, devoish (98.76) wrote:

Flea,

I'm surprised to be invited by name.

Thank you for the hospitality.

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#19) On April 27, 2010 at 10:02 PM, RootnToot (30.43) wrote:

I am glad that I happened across this thread. Good luck FB in your quest of the greatest commandment: http://www.wcg.org/lit/spiritual/greatest.htm, your devotion and committment are admirable.

Blessings to all.

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#20) On April 27, 2010 at 11:38 PM, SolarisKing (< 20) wrote:

Our Communal life is a blend of chaos and faith. We have a very few real rules because we have to, but mostly we are dirt poor farmers on 40 acres of work in the lowland mountains of western CO.

We do share most meals on the farm in the community kitchen, and have a blessing every night. 

I've trained so many dogs that i can tell them apart right away from 20 paces. I can train a dog to change your babies diapers. 

It would be fun to meet some of you, even for a few days. Our farm is about three hours from the slope in Aspen or Telluride, so you could stay for a few days and save on hotel rooms, maybe.

But i am serious, you have to make a pact to keep my secret identity. (heh)

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#21) On April 28, 2010 at 2:06 AM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

Your secret is safe with me, solaris.

RootnToot: thanks for the uplifting link! This was my favorite part:

"[I]n his grace, God not only forgives our failure, but also transforms us and works in us to make us righteous in Christ." 

It is so easy to miss the transformational power of grace as revealed in Scripture, because it is so counterintuitive that our human minds tend to gloss right over the words that tell us about it, as though they are fluff, the way we might write if we (God forbid) were writing the Bible without the Holy Spirit to guide us.

But grace changes the hearts of those that accept it, as well as their minds, their actions, and eventually their souls. So we are saved not merely by forgiveness, but by a redemption that first forgives, then transforms. And what a transformation!

It is like the Transformer robots from the silly cartoon (and sillier Michael Bay movies), which transform into super-powerful machines of war, except our war is not a violent one, but a spiritual one, waged against the evil within ourselves, and against the evil of others that cause them and their loved ones so much grief. And the power that God pours out within those that accept His grace is much greater than that of the robots we fantasize about, or even that of the armies and nuclear weapons arsenals of the nations of the world.

For with all the nukes and tanks and war planes and armored transports and submarines and UAV's in the world, you cannot change the sinful attitude of one heart. But God, in His great mercy and wisdom and power, has given us a Spirit that turns the hearts of the fathers back to their children, turns the heart of the tyrant against his own ambition, and spreads the love and humility of Christ, who emptied Himself and veiled His deity in flesh, and came to earth to die to save those who had rejected Him, abused Him, and abandoned Him.

And He rose from the dead on the third day, demonstrating that He has the authority to command all that he commanded, the power to save all that He died to save, and a plan for the resurrection of all who cling to His name. We who follow Him will share in His resurrection.

It is this doctrine of hope, of love, of peace, that we bring to the world. Trust in Christ, obey Him, accept God's grace and let it change your heart. Then you will have true peace within yourself. You will be raised to life at the end of time, on the Judgement Day.  

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#22) On April 28, 2010 at 8:19 AM, lemoneater (86.84) wrote:

Flea, sorry for the misunderstanding about taxes. I misread the second paragraph in #5. My apologies! Keep us informed of how you are doing as you have opportunity. I will be praying for your safety and health.

I eagerly await your useful video on how to determine if a dog is "chicken-friendly." When I was a little girl, we raised a few very feisty, rather ugly, big white chickens who would peck copperheads to death and eat them for lunch.

Solaris, I would love to visit your farm sometime, but Colorado is rather far from SC. Who knows maybe someday! Wishing you good crops and healthy, happy chickens. What varieties of chickens do you raise?

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#23) On April 28, 2010 at 12:01 PM, SolarisKing (< 20) wrote:

Chickens are just a small part of our operation. I think we have rhode island reds mostly.

BTW, yesterday i was in the plum orchard telling the interns stories while we work, and somehow i mention that i could call wild animals out of the woods. One of the interns said, "Can you show us sometime?" and i said, "Sure".
   20 minutes later i called a rabbit out of the bushes into my hand and passed it around the group of 7 of us.

(heh)

As far as religion..  . . well i don't argue it. Anyone can say anything, but . . . .. well, lets say 'I know who i like'. Faith in works and that kind of stuff.

Talking about religion is like trying to tell jellyfish how big the ocean is. You're talkin', and they're listenin', but .. .

Well good morning to all. Anybody good at making excel spreadsheets? I want to harvest data from some notices i get in text form, and i need help with FIND and IF.
   If somefool helps i would share my harvested data with them. Report this comment

#24) On April 28, 2010 at 1:35 PM, lemoneater (86.84) wrote:

Rhode Island reds are pretty chickens which are more intelligent than some other varieties.

Perhaps I should nickname you the "rabbit whisperer" or perhaps not! That is a neat ability to be so good with animals. My sister-in-law just gave us a book on how to teach one's cat tricks. I'll believe it when I see it.

My talents do not extend to excel. So I hope another fool will come to your aid.

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#25) On April 28, 2010 at 2:55 PM, FleaBagger (33.08) wrote:

I can't use Excel in the way you're talking about, but maybe I could figure it out. 

As for your abilities, it's quite a coincidence that you mention that, because I've been reading The Problem of Pain, by C.S. Lewis, and he mentions that some people have remarkable dominion over animals, and he ties that to whom he calls "Paradisal Man" (see Genesis 1 and 2, particularly 1:28 and 2:19).

Also, have you seen "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind"? It's one of my favorite movies, and your description of your gift reminds me of it.

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