Another phenomenon that I notice every now and again is the notion that someone that has committed a crime feels that they are entitled to some leniency, or even a free pass on their offense, because since the time that they have committed their felony, they've "changed." Now, what I mean by this is that they've "turned their life around" as they say. Perhaps they've sobered up from whatever mind-altering substance that they were imbibing in at the time, or started doing charity work, or some other self-imposed penance for their sins against society. Somehow, they feel that these acts of righteous self-indulgence somehow absolves them from the wrongdoings of their past.
We've seen several of these types hit the news in recent years. Stanley "Tookie" Williams, who was executed in 2005 for the 1979 murders of Albert Owens, Yen-Yi Yang, Tsai-Shai Lin, and Yee-Chen Lin immediately comes to mind. Celebrities, politicians, and the ever-present NAACP lobbied hard for Governor Schwarzenegger to either stay the execution, or commute Williams' sentence to life without parole. The basis of this was not new evidence of Williams' innocence, but rather his efforts to end gang violence while on death row. Now, I will say this about Williams... his work to end gang violence was noble, and in my opinion, certainly laced with the best of intentions (Williams was in fact nominated for a Nobel Prize for his violence fighting crusade.) I'll also say this about Tookie's post-incarceration efforts: so fucking what??? His work does not change the fact that four innocent lives were prematurely ended because of ol' Tookie. He was given a fair trial, convicted of his crimes, and sentenced in accordance with California state law.
Now, the inspiration behind this rant came from, of all places, a bulletin that caught my eye on Myspace. It seems that someone that was on my list (http://www.myspace.com/dialias) was recently apprehended by the authorities. The exact bulletin is recreated below:
" I AM STILL INCARCERATED ON SOME BOGUS CHARGES AND NEED YOUR HELP. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO COURT DATE AND HERE IS SOMETHINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP. WRITE ME AT; (munging the private information) PLEASE PUT YOUR RETURN ADDRESS ON ENVELOPE OR I WILL NOT GET MY MAIL. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MAKE A COPY OF A LETTER EXPLAINING THAT I HELP TAKE CARE OF MY MOM WHO IS IN A WHEEL CHAIR AND HOME BOUND, ALSO MENTION MY WIFE IS GOING THROUGH TESTS TO GIVE HER KIDNEY TO HER DYING BROTHER. **** IF I HAVE MADE ANY IN PACT ON YOU IN ANYWAY PLEASE METION IT.*** YOU CAN MENTION THAT I RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER BENEFITS. CANCER RESEARCH, AND AM A ACTIVIST IN ENVIRONMENTAL, ANIMAL RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS,HOMELESS AWARNESS, PRISON AND DRUG REFORM.(GREENPEACE, ST.JUDE,PETA,AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL) SEND A COPY TO EACH PLACE BELOW...... ----------------------------------------------------------- (munging the private information) ------------------------------------- REPOST THIS MESSAGE AND YOUR LETTER TO FRIENDS ON MYSPACE. ASK THEM TO ADD THEIR NAME TO IT. I NEED SOMEBODY TO START A PETITION AT; PETITIONS.COM FOR MY RELEASE. I NEED SOMEBODY TO WRITE IN MYSPACE SECTION ABOUT ME WHO I AM AND WHY I SHOULD BE RELEASED. THE COUNTY SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH HARESSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION. WRITE ME AND I WILL TELL YOU THE FULL STORY. LIGHT A CANDLE FOR ME , BECAUSE I AM NOT ONLINE IT IS MY MOM WRITING THIS FOR ME. SEND MY WIFE RABBIT_BRE AND MOM (MY TOP FRIENDS) POSITIVE MESSAGES AND COMMENTS. ALSO THANK MY MOM FOR TYPING ALL OF THIS FOR ME. THANK YOU AND NOT SURE WHEN I CAN WRITE YOU BACK CAUSE RIGHT NOW I AM TRADING MY FOOD FOR PEN AND PAPER TO WRITE MY WIFE AND MOM.(SEEING I HAD NO MONEY ON ME WHEN I WAS ARRESTED) I HAVE NOT TALKED TO MY WIFE IN THE PAST WEEK 1/2. SEND THIS MESSAGE AS A BULLENTIN DAILY AND SEND TO RANDOM PERSON ON MY FRIENDS LIST UNTIL I AM RELEASED. THANK YOU AGAIN"
Wow... sounds tragic, doesn't it. But upon reading this, it occurred to me that something was missing. At no point during his inane plea for freedom did he say anything to the effect of "I'm innocent," or "I didn't do it."
Well... the story gets better. Further investigation into the issue shows that this person was picked up on some sort of property destruction charge. Here's another excerpt from a blog written by the defendant, which was posted to his mother's blog (www.myspace.com/aries230:)
" I HAVE NOT BEEN ONLINE FOR DAYS BECAUSE I WAS ARRESTED ON A B.S WARRANT OUT OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.I HAVE NOT TALKED TO MY MOM OR MY WIFE OR EVEN A LAWYER, MY WIFE AND I WERE STOPPED LAST FRIDAY MORNING AND HOPEFULLY SHE IS OK. SHE IS THE TOP FRIEND ON MY LIST AND PLEASE SEND HER COMMENTS I ALSO HOPE MY MOM (ARIES230) IS OK MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY SINCE I HAVE NOT BEEN AROUND TO CHECK UP ON HER...
LET THEM KNOW I AM NOT THE SAME CRAZY FOOL /PUNKROCKER THAT ACCIDENTLY BROKE A WINDOW WHEN I WAS DRUNK AND SHOULD NOT BE PAYING FOR OLD MISTAKES. I DID MY REHAB AND I STAYED OUT OF TROUBLE SO ALL CHARGES SHOULD BE DISMISSED.YOU CAN GIVE THEM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INFO.
I USE MYSPACE TO FIND,
MISSING CHILDREN,
CRIMINALS,
TO GET TOUGHER LAWS FOR PEDOPHILES,
PASS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PETITIONS,
ANIMAL RIGHTS,
TO SAVE HISTORIAL LANDMARKS
, HELP PEOPLE FIND NATURAL REMEDIES
, RAISE MONEY FOR NON- PROFIT GROUPS..."
... and blah blah blah.
So, if I'm understanding correctly, this person gets drunk, trashes some property, and thinks he should skate because he helps to find missing kids and raises money for cancer research? Sorry bud, I don't think so.
You see, you don't get to set your own punishment as you see fit. This is why we have laws, as well as police to enforce them, and a judiciary to interpret them and pass proper sentence. Whether you think so or not, you've never paid for your crime... until now.
Incidentally, all of my feelings on this subject were confirmed when a very polite email to this gentleman's mother, kindly asking for clarification on how these charges were, in her son's words, "bogus," went unanswered. I guess she couldn't state in a way that would actually make sense.
So, all you lawless degenerates out there should take heed. Just because you give up your deviant and illegal ways, and exchange them for a life of trying to make up for it, it doesn't mean that you are absolved of all of your sins. The government, unlike the flaccid christian god, is callous and unforgiving... and it wants its rightly deserved pound of flesh.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Satanism and Lawlessness
So many times I will attempt to bring to light, through both my broadcast work as well my my occasional internet postings, issues of justice, because as a Satanist, I have an extremely inflated sense of what is just and lawful. I am familiar with the laws of my community, state, and country, and, with the exception of the occasional speeding infraction, follow them to the letter. Anyone claiming to be a Satanist would be mindful to do the same thing, or at the very least, be prepared to accept the consequences of his or her actions, should they be caught in the act, or apprehended after the fact by law enforcement.
So why is it that I receive so many letters and emails crying for my head when I take great joy in the fact that some lawless idiot was beaten by the police within an inch of his life? The answer to this question is spelled out below by High Priest Peter H. Gilmore, in his excellent essay, "Rebels Without Cause," (which can be found in his new book, The Satanic Scriptures:)
"Some newcomers to our philosophy do not grasp its axioms and tear at Satanism as if it were some kind of straightjacket. Others hope to wield it as an “anything goes” card rather than the key to accountable liberty that it is. They observe our list of “sins” and “rules” and don’t grasp that such terms are used with tongue firmly planted in cheek, while simultaneously missing the point that there is an ethical structure to our philosophy—our “third side” which is so elusive to those limited to dualist thinking. These lists are guidelines and tools based on keen observation of human social behavior, not arbitrary regulations or “shalt nots” handed down from “on high” or belched forth from “down below.” Each Satanist is welcome to take ‘em out for a test drive and see how they work. Most of us find them to be both accurate and useful. That’s why we adopt “Satanist” as a proper label for ourselves—Anton LaVey’s philosophy is completely coincident with our personal approach to living.
"What self-styled “Satanists” fail to realize when they find themselves disagreeing with the principles established in the literature of the Church of Satan is that it isn’t Satanism that must change to accommodate their disagreement. They themselves must abandon their improper self-definition. Satanism is codified—a rational and coherent construct. It is not an amorphous ragbag of loose concepts up for grabs to anyone who wants to call himself a Satanist. Yet some wish it were so, and invoke the word “freedom” as an escape clause from culpability. Anton LaVey’s entire purpose for founding the Church of Satan was to create a rational philosophy defining Satanism for the very first time in Western history as an above ground, coherent movement."
Now, there are idiots out there that will read that and claim to completely agree with what it says, not realizing for one split second that the essay is referring to them. They still stand up and applaud "Bravo, Magus Gilmore! I couldn't have said it better myself," and then in the next moment, go on with their lawless behavior without a single thought to what they've just read. The reasons for this, dear friends, are interpretation and understanding.
It's been said hundreds of times that the philosophies and tenets of Satanism are not open to interpretation. They are clear as crystal. The same cannot be said about the law. Laws are, in fact, written in vague, archaic language that is difficult to comprehend even for someone of above-average intelligence and an impressive vocabulary. However, when it comes to the law, there are three basic principles to understand:
1. Laws are WRITTEN by Congress (or whatever legislative body governs your community.)
2. Laws are INTERPRETED by the judiciary.
3. Laws are ENFORCED by the police.
When you are arrested, you are being arrested by the police, or more appropriately, by "law enforcement." It is their job to enforce the laws written by Congress. It is not their job to interpret what is meant by the laws that they are enforcing.
Now, here comes the part most morons who like to behave lawlessly have a hard time with. As stated earlier, it is not the job of law enforcement to interpret law... AND IT'S NOT YOUR JOB EITHER!!!!! You, as a citizen of your community, cannot interpret the laws of your community to suit your needs. Sorry folks, you just can't do it, and any attempt to do it is futile and stupid.
For those of you out there who are having difficulty understanding what I mean, let me use a few examples. How many of you out there know someone, or worse, ARE someone, that's gone to jail / paid a fine / done community service for smoking marijuana in public, or having an amount of marijuana in your possession that has been deemed by the government to be for "personal use?" Did that person try to argue with the cops, saying "It's only a joint, man! Why are you hassling me?! Fucking pig!"
I'm sure that they did (or you did.) And, if you resisted, were you subdued by the arresting officer through the use of grappling holds, or a nightstick, or mace, or a taser? If they (you) were subdued for resisting, then you received everything that you had coming to you... period.
When you're arguing the law with a police officer, you may as well be arguing the law to a brick wall. Neither you, nor the officer has the right to interpret what is meant by a statute. That's for a judge to decide. And when you take your interpretation to the next level, and resist the arresting officer, you are in violation of another law: resisting arrest. And that law is also not open for interpretation at the time of arrest.
Why do these impromptu legal debates ensue? Well, it probably has something to do with the fact that the perpetrator of the offense doesn't agree with the illegality of his or her actions, and because of this, they feel that they have the right to contest the charge right there at the point of arrest. Guess what kiddies... you're wrong! Not only are you wrong, but any action you take as a result of this incorrect thought can, and most likely will, land you in deeper trouble with the authorities. Such actions are, in this humble man's opinion, about as Satanic as a self-inflicted shotgun blast to the scrotum.
So, you don't like a law, eh? Lobby Congress to have it changed. Yes, it's easier said than done, but so is everything worthwhile in life. Remember Anton LaVey's definition of Lesser Magic from The Satanic Bible:
"Non-ritual or manipulative magic, sometimes called "LESSER MAGIC," consists of the wile and guile obtained through various devices and contrived situations, which when utilized, can create "change, in accordance with one's will."
If it means that much to you, you will use all of the legal means necessary to achieve your goals. If it doesn't mean that much to you, then either accept the fact that you cannot engage in your illegal behavior of choice, or accept the consequences of your actions when you get busted. Responsibility to the responsible isn't just a catchphrase, folks. It's part of the Satanic way of life.
So why is it that I receive so many letters and emails crying for my head when I take great joy in the fact that some lawless idiot was beaten by the police within an inch of his life? The answer to this question is spelled out below by High Priest Peter H. Gilmore, in his excellent essay, "Rebels Without Cause," (which can be found in his new book, The Satanic Scriptures:)
"Some newcomers to our philosophy do not grasp its axioms and tear at Satanism as if it were some kind of straightjacket. Others hope to wield it as an “anything goes” card rather than the key to accountable liberty that it is. They observe our list of “sins” and “rules” and don’t grasp that such terms are used with tongue firmly planted in cheek, while simultaneously missing the point that there is an ethical structure to our philosophy—our “third side” which is so elusive to those limited to dualist thinking. These lists are guidelines and tools based on keen observation of human social behavior, not arbitrary regulations or “shalt nots” handed down from “on high” or belched forth from “down below.” Each Satanist is welcome to take ‘em out for a test drive and see how they work. Most of us find them to be both accurate and useful. That’s why we adopt “Satanist” as a proper label for ourselves—Anton LaVey’s philosophy is completely coincident with our personal approach to living.
"What self-styled “Satanists” fail to realize when they find themselves disagreeing with the principles established in the literature of the Church of Satan is that it isn’t Satanism that must change to accommodate their disagreement. They themselves must abandon their improper self-definition. Satanism is codified—a rational and coherent construct. It is not an amorphous ragbag of loose concepts up for grabs to anyone who wants to call himself a Satanist. Yet some wish it were so, and invoke the word “freedom” as an escape clause from culpability. Anton LaVey’s entire purpose for founding the Church of Satan was to create a rational philosophy defining Satanism for the very first time in Western history as an above ground, coherent movement."
Now, there are idiots out there that will read that and claim to completely agree with what it says, not realizing for one split second that the essay is referring to them. They still stand up and applaud "Bravo, Magus Gilmore! I couldn't have said it better myself," and then in the next moment, go on with their lawless behavior without a single thought to what they've just read. The reasons for this, dear friends, are interpretation and understanding.
It's been said hundreds of times that the philosophies and tenets of Satanism are not open to interpretation. They are clear as crystal. The same cannot be said about the law. Laws are, in fact, written in vague, archaic language that is difficult to comprehend even for someone of above-average intelligence and an impressive vocabulary. However, when it comes to the law, there are three basic principles to understand:
1. Laws are WRITTEN by Congress (or whatever legislative body governs your community.)
2. Laws are INTERPRETED by the judiciary.
3. Laws are ENFORCED by the police.
When you are arrested, you are being arrested by the police, or more appropriately, by "law enforcement." It is their job to enforce the laws written by Congress. It is not their job to interpret what is meant by the laws that they are enforcing.
Now, here comes the part most morons who like to behave lawlessly have a hard time with. As stated earlier, it is not the job of law enforcement to interpret law... AND IT'S NOT YOUR JOB EITHER!!!!! You, as a citizen of your community, cannot interpret the laws of your community to suit your needs. Sorry folks, you just can't do it, and any attempt to do it is futile and stupid.
For those of you out there who are having difficulty understanding what I mean, let me use a few examples. How many of you out there know someone, or worse, ARE someone, that's gone to jail / paid a fine / done community service for smoking marijuana in public, or having an amount of marijuana in your possession that has been deemed by the government to be for "personal use?" Did that person try to argue with the cops, saying "It's only a joint, man! Why are you hassling me?! Fucking pig!"
I'm sure that they did (or you did.) And, if you resisted, were you subdued by the arresting officer through the use of grappling holds, or a nightstick, or mace, or a taser? If they (you) were subdued for resisting, then you received everything that you had coming to you... period.
When you're arguing the law with a police officer, you may as well be arguing the law to a brick wall. Neither you, nor the officer has the right to interpret what is meant by a statute. That's for a judge to decide. And when you take your interpretation to the next level, and resist the arresting officer, you are in violation of another law: resisting arrest. And that law is also not open for interpretation at the time of arrest.
Why do these impromptu legal debates ensue? Well, it probably has something to do with the fact that the perpetrator of the offense doesn't agree with the illegality of his or her actions, and because of this, they feel that they have the right to contest the charge right there at the point of arrest. Guess what kiddies... you're wrong! Not only are you wrong, but any action you take as a result of this incorrect thought can, and most likely will, land you in deeper trouble with the authorities. Such actions are, in this humble man's opinion, about as Satanic as a self-inflicted shotgun blast to the scrotum.
So, you don't like a law, eh? Lobby Congress to have it changed. Yes, it's easier said than done, but so is everything worthwhile in life. Remember Anton LaVey's definition of Lesser Magic from The Satanic Bible:
"Non-ritual or manipulative magic, sometimes called "LESSER MAGIC," consists of the wile and guile obtained through various devices and contrived situations, which when utilized, can create "change, in accordance with one's will."
If it means that much to you, you will use all of the legal means necessary to achieve your goals. If it doesn't mean that much to you, then either accept the fact that you cannot engage in your illegal behavior of choice, or accept the consequences of your actions when you get busted. Responsibility to the responsible isn't just a catchphrase, folks. It's part of the Satanic way of life.
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