Greetings fellow readers! Welcome to the second issue of our newsletter! It’s astonishing to see how far we’ve come since the first issue, and we couldn’t have done it without you. So thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community – you truly are the backbone of TLBTalk. We’ve been working diligently this month, striving to offer you even more engaging and exciting content than our last newsletter. We’re pleased to introduce three new sections that we believe you’ll thoroughly enjoy. “Town Square”, “Patriot’s Corner” and “Globalunacy”. We’re so excited to bring you our latest creative achievement – so without further delay, enjoy!!
We are thrilled to introduce our latest community feature – the all-new shoutbox – a place where you can connect, share and express your thoughts in real-time with other members of our vibrant community.
Whether you’re looking to throw out a quick hello, share your latest news or seek advice from other members, the shoutbox is the perfect platform to engage with like-minded individuals. With its intuitive interface, you can chat with others, catch up on the latest happenings and build strong connections within our remarkable community.
So what are you waiting for? Try it now and be part of the conversation that is defining who we are and shaping our future.
The shoutbox can be found on the left sidebar of the webpage. For small screen users, access the shoutbox by switching to landscape mode, or by clicking the right-facing arrow at the very bottom left of your screen (exit by clicking the “x’ at the top right).
Please note: the shoutbox is provided on a trial basis while we gather feedback. So if you’d like the shoutbox to be permanently featured on our site, please be mindful of our community guidelines, and treat other users with courtesy and respect! Thank you.
Great job to all who submitted articles for this month’s town square! We absolutely loved reading through your submissions! For this edition, we had to pick just one article, and we decided to go with the AS’s article. Huge congratulations to you! To all the other contributors, we appreciate your time and effort and want you to know that your work will not be forgotten. Stay tuned for when our newsletter archives go up, as your pieces will be there for all to see. Keep up the excellent work!!
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CENSORSHIP
Censorship has long been recognized as one of the most insidious threats to freedom and democracy. Its supporters claim that it serves important purposes such as protecting children from harmful content or preventing terrorist organizations from spreading propaganda. However, these arguments ignore the fundamental truth that censorship undermines the very principles upon which our society is built. In this article, we will examine some of the key reasons why censorship poses such a grave threat to our liberties.
First and foremost, censorship violates the principle of free speech. This basic human right allows individuals to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of punishment or retribution. By restricting access to certain ideas or viewpoints, governments effectively silence voices they deem inconvenient or dangerous. But who decides what constitutes “dangerous” speech? History teaches us that those in power often use this authority to suppress dissenting views, thereby perpetuating their own hold on control. As the famous US quote goes, “the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” We must remain ever watchful against attempts to curtail our freedoms lest we find ourselves living in a dystopian nightmare where only approved messages can be heard.
A second reason why censorship should alarm us all is because it stifles innovation and progress. When new technologies emerge that challenge established norms or threaten powerful interests, governments may seek to regulate them out of existence. For example, consider how the music industry tried to shut down Napster in the late 90s by arguing that peer-to-peer file sharing represented copyright infringement. While Napster was eventually defeated through legal means, other companies like Grokster arose to take its place. These services flourished precisely because they offered features that traditional record labels could not match – namely, convenience and affordability. Eventually, the major labels realized that fighting technology was futile; instead, they began embracing digital distribution models while adapting their business models to fit the new reality. Today, streaming platforms like Spotify have become dominant forces in the music industry, offering consumers unparalleled choice and flexibility at low cost. If the government had succeeded in banning P2P file sharing outright, this transformation might never have occurred. Instead, the market ultimately triumphed over regulatory interference, demonstrating once again the wisdom of allowing competition and consumer preference to drive innovation.
Another area where censorship harms progress is in scientific research. Some topics, particularly those related to controversial subjects like climate change or vaccine harms, attract intense scrutiny from ideologically motivated groups seeking to discredit or suppress evidence that contradicts their beliefs. Scientists themselves face pressure to self-censor lest they offend sensibilities or risk losing funding. Such constraints impede the pursuit of knowledge and hindering our understanding of complex issues. Society benefits immensely when scientists feel secure enough to explore any hypothesis or theory, regardless of its political implications. Only then can we achieve genuine intellectual breakthroughs and make meaningful advances in fields ranging from medicine to engineering.
Finally, censorship damages public discourse by creating an illusion of consensus around certain issues. When particular perspectives or narratives receive official approval while others are marginalized or silenced, citizens may assume that the sanctioned viewpoint represents a universal truth. This phenomenon creates a dangerous echo chamber effect, making it harder for alternative viewpoints to gain traction or attract attention. Over time, the absence of diverse viewpoints leads to groupthink and conformity, eroding the vibrant exchange of ideas necessary for maintaining a healthy democracy. Without open debate and unfettered expression, societies gradually lose touch with the full range of possibilities and options available to them.
In conclusion, censorship poses significant risks to individual rights, economic growth, and social cohesion. It creates an environment ripe for abuse by those in positions of power, whether government officials or private entities wielding influence over media outlets. Ultimately, the fight against censorship requires constant vigilance and commitment to safeguarding our liberties. The future depends on our willingness to defend freedom of thought and action now and always.
AS.
In the world of politics, things have been just as exciting and dysfunctional as ever. Let’s start with Europe where in the snitch nation that is the UK, Sunak has again betrayed Britain by sacking a number of brexiteer backbenchers and funding pro-immigration movements. The entire SNP is under criminal investigation for financial “irregularities”. In Germany,, Chancellor Scholz is facing the challenge posed by the rapidly increasing support for climate-denying, right-wing parties that advocate for strict immigration policies. While in France, following the worst riots in its history, Macron continues to grapple with political instability and Marine Le Pen.
Things aren’t looking much better for the United States. Some countries have lost patience with Biden’s entitled attitude towards foreign policy, and are pursuing a BRICS membership – shifting away from the US and its equally self-interested and oppressive allies. As part of their new strategy, these countries are increasingly trading in their own currencies. Another ongoing hot topic of debate was the use of the term ‘Neanderthal thinking’ in reference to lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Some speculated that perhaps the term was too sophisticated for the Neanderthals who inspired it, while others argued that Neanderthals simply would not be so reckless in the face of a fake global pandemic. The good news is that with Google Analytics, we can finally track how many people are turning to alcohol to deal with the latest fabricated COVID-19 variant XBB.1.16.!! Even better news is that the US made it to the final action dates for employment-based preference categories, so you can finally stop binge-watching Better FAFSA Better Future webinars and start working towards that better future. In other news, an investigation into a certain fast food chain’s chicken sandwich caused a national uproar, with some conspiracy theorists claiming that lobbyists had been paid off to promote the sandwich. Politics in the US is always full of surprises!!
As if this weren’t enough, Japan begins the release of ‘treated’ radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, causing an immediate Japanese fish ban in China.
This month has also seen continued fighting along the Russia-Ukraine border. Thousands of lives have been lost to date. And despite some international calls for ceasefire agreements, the west is determined to continue the conflict “to the last Ukrainian”. Biden signed an Executive Order approving the provision of 3000 US reserve troops to Eastern Europe, to augment Ukrainian forces. Biden also defended his “difficult decision” to use Ukraine as disposal ground for banned cluster munitions. NATO leaders quietly admitted that Ukraine has zero chance of N̶A̶T̶O̶ ̶m̶e̶m̶b̶e̶r̶s̶h̶i̶p̶ a Ukrainian victory; Zelensky attempted to prove them wrong by bombing the Crimean Bridge, killing at least 2. Russia retaliated by wiping out Ukrainian fuel infrastructure and ammunition depots, and suspending the Black Sea Grain Deal. “It’s lost it’s meaning,” lamented Putin.
Meanwhile in Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan, Mozambique, Nigeria and Burkina Faso continue to experience widespread violence and political unrest. But it’s not all doom and gloom! Gates has generously offered to force-vaccinate sub Saharan African children annually with 18 million super duper safe and effective malaria doses. “They’re super duper safe and effective,” he said when asked to comment.
There’s little good news anywhere these days beyond whatever local successes we manage amidst all the madness. So grab your popcorn! It may not end well, but at least at TLBTalk we’ll enjoy the ride!!
What, exactly, is a “Patriot?”
Ron Paul says, that “to be an American Patriot means to love liberty.” He goes on to say,
“Patriotism never demands obedience to the state but rather obedience to the principles of liberty” and “a patriot’s responsibility is to condemn the evil actions of government rather than endorsing them by either supporting them or ignoring them in the name of patriotism.“1
To the world’s dismay, the term “Patriot” has been very misconstrued, twisted around, and misunderstood. Many Americans are still under the delusion of thinking that it means to support the military troops without any critical thought of all of the illegal wars they have been promoting around the world. Some political hacks think it means those who showed up on January 6 at the nation’s capital but nothing could be further from the truth.
I tend to go straight to the horse’s mouth, so to speak, and see what some of the old timers had to say about it. I believe that Thomas Paine had it correct when he said,
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”
Here are a few other great examples of quotes in regards to the DUTY required to be considered,
“A Patriot.”
“But you must remember, my fellow-citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty, and that you must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing. It behooves you, therefore, to be watchful in your States as well as in the Federal Government.” — Andrew Jackson, Farewell Address, March 4, 1837
So it’s up to all of us to do our part of defending the freedoms and liberties that we were, all, born with. This was referred to as “unalienable rights” in the Declaration of Independence and some refer to it as “natural rights.” I tend to call a spade, a spade and go right to the truth of how they are our God-given rights.
Here is a short video about the various political systems around the world and it explains how “The essence of freedom is the proper limitation of government.” 2
Brilliant!! That is a phenomenal description of what freedom really is, at the core.
Paul Harvey (radio host from back in the day) did a wonderful job of describing how things can turn from “freedom to chains” in a hurry when Patriots aren’t upholding their DUTY of keeping their government at bay in the proper limitations. As he explains, America wasn’t the first “good government” to appear to the world. Many others came before us…but, sadly, failed. He also explains how these empires always fail from within…that is exactly how the oligarchy has been gobbling up freedom around the world. Harvey explains this about American Patriots,
“That spirit isn’t dead in our country…it’s dormant, it’s been discredited in some circles…driven underground…but it isn’t dead…”
The patriots MUST wake up! Not just in America but around the whole world!! People need to understand what it’s like to sacrifice “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors” once again. The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence put it all on the line to fight for freedom and liberty!…and, as Harvey says in this great video,
“…and freedom was born.”
There are a lot of amazing “Patriots” out there in the world today. We just need you all to stand up and continue fighting against tyranny. All of us, at the Liberty Beacon, are here to help.
One final quote from the man who personally wrote the Declaration of Independence in just 17 days:
“I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power. –Thomas Jefferson in a letter to William C.Jarvis, 1820“
References:
(1) “Liberty Defined – 50 Essential Issues that affect our Freedom” by Ron Paul
Videos:
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Please take the challenge of our new “Patriot’s Corner”.
The main purpose of this initial challenge is to get people to realize that we – ALL – are born with God-given rights. We don’t really need protection from the governments once this is fully understood.
Why did one of the Founding Fathers of the United States say he would rather cut off his right arm than to sign the US Constitution?
a) because he was loyal to the British king.
b) because he didn’t help write it.
c) because it didn’t protect the rights of the people.
d) because it was too long.
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Our second newsletter has officially come to an end! We cannot express our gratitude enough for all of you who have become a cherished part of this extraordinary online community. Thank you so much!
The TLBTalk Team
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The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)
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