Originally published on the personal blog of James MacArthur, this editorial opinion piece is republished here in it's entirety with minimal modification or edits.
For the most part, besides occasional updates here and there, this blog has been more or less abandoned as duties maintaining and updating numerous other websites, Facebook and Twitter pages have pretty well taken up most of my time.
Reaching 2.2 million people is no small feat. The potential power to rapidly disseminate information is frightful to those that want to control conversations and public thought.
While most people use social media as a great past time or hobby, for some of us this is actually a part of our job. A big part. In my case full time and then some.
After seeing over 2 million people view my posts on Facebook last week (our most viewed platform), I was truly overwhelmed and elated that my work had landed before such a large audience.
Unfortunately my celebration was only short lived.
Baltimore Police Decide To Abandon Ethically Questionable Practice
8 January 2015 By A.F. James MacArthur Agitator-In-Chief @BaltoSpectator In a shocking and unexpected announcement Wednesday,Baltimore Police decided on a reversal of one of the most controversial and ethically challenged social media policies a government agency could have. Blocking citizens on Twitter. Long known for their thin skinned, immature, extreme reaction to criticism on social media, the department has repeatedly claimed their reasons for blocking individuals was limited to users who've expressed profanity.
On one hand the department states their support of free speech. Particularly in response to mass demonstrations against police brutality. The department permits officers to address citizens in derogatory, disrespectful terms. So to attempt to silence citizens, claiming they've uttered profanity -- when in many cases there doesn't appear to be any evidence of such -- calls into question the integrity of an organization who's actions often betray it's words.
The truth is, a quick survey of many individuals blocked by Baltimore Police on Twitter, reveal the only offense being that of asking critical questions of the agency. It is a well established fact that this agency just doesn't respond well to being called out. Ask me how I know?
Although we know they'd never admit it, we know the continual onslaught of criticism for the decision to block users has taken it's toll on Baltimore Police. Some users haven't been too kind in their criticism.
From the time it began to become well known that Baltimore Police adopted the cowardly strategy to respond to critics, an ad hoc Twitter People's Resistance Movement formed. Not a day could pass without legions of individuals decrying the stupidity of a public agency, blocking members of the public, from it's social media feed. How unsociable.
I can now reveal to you that there has been active planning, of soon to be launched, direct action against the police department and it's social media accounts, should the policy not have been revised. A dry run was briefly launched several months ago, but few noticed.
Could it be, that fearing the potential embarrassing and irreversible outcomes of an attack, Baltimore Police decided to come out in front of a potentially looming public relations crisis and reverse course?
Any modern cooperation, or organization should know, there are individuals and collectives out there, far more powerful and agile in the cyber world, than they are even remotely prepared to defend against. Ask Sony Pictures.
We are glad the Baltimore Police Department has decided to fully embrace a more enlightened and mature social media strategy in dealing with critics and dissenters. They chose the less offensive "mute" option over the draconian "block."
At least now users could actually readily view and retweet timely, useful, relevant public safety information. Now if only Baltimore Police would actually use Twitter and provide more of that. They could be of inestimable value to their over 65,000 followers, and perhaps be seen as a source, not just a sore source of mostly meaningless trivial tweets.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Researcher,
independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Get Better Connected With Me
Republishing this from my personal blog, originally posted July of 2009. Looking back, there's been so many vicious, savage attacks. But what has happened? I'm still here, many of my attackers and critics are now nowhere.
Governments continue only if they are fair. –Proverbs 16:12 (NCV)
By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L. Agitator-In-Chief @BaltoSpectator In a little while I will be headed back down to the courthouse for another round. Regular readers may have noticed my writing output has significantly decreased. For those close to me, this should come as no surprise. The tremendous weight and pressure that I've felt on my shoulders has been a great strain.
They've tried everything possible to drag me under, surely they must wonder how I’m still standing.
As much as my enemies wish to take me down, their efforts have not succeeded. Yes they've kicked me, yes they've knocked me down, but I continue to get up, and to their dismay, I am still around.
It is my hope to someday soon get back on track and return to a level of productivity that I could be pleased with. As a writer, I have suffered withdrawals from lack of output. The photographer and videographer in me yearns to capture the images all around. The inquisitive investigator that I am has so many questions I intend to ask. As tough as the situation is right now, I know that even this too will pass.
Early this morning while out for a walk. I couldn't help but reflect on the trials I've been through recently, and the anticipated challenges just ahead. Looking forward, I am not afraid facing the future. Seeking strength as I do often from the Holy Scriptures, this morning I was led to passages that were particularly encouraging, and perhaps even prophetic. I've been summoned yet again and my presence is desired to grace the halls of justice so I will not be around today. That means no updates, no new stories, no rants for a while. As I head back down to the court for yet another full day of questioning, interrogation and examination, I leave you with this;
People may make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true. You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord will judge your reasons. Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The Lord makes everything go as he pleases. He even prepared a day of disaster for evil people.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Researcher, independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government officials under the guise of law enforcement. He's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Citing moral decline among Americans, a nationwide campaign hopes to erect hundreds of billboards, bearing the Ten Commandments coast to coast.
"...the biggest problem America has is with those who call themselves believers but who act no differently than the worldliest individuals on the planet." - Joseph Farah
The initiative was started by internet publishing pioneer, Joseph Farah, founder and CEO of WND.com and WND Books. Farah said, “the purpose is to remind the public of the moral law to which all people are accountable whether they like it or not – even the ACLU.”
“America needs a set of social common denominators if we are to remain a self-governing society. No such document has ever been produced by the hand of man. For 3,000 years, empires have come and gone based on their adherence to the Ten Commandments. Millions of people have perished or been brought to salvation by God’s teachings about right and wrong. That’s what this campaign is all about – and I pray Americans will respond in partnership with me in dramatic style.”
More On The Ten Commandments
“The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount contain my religion.” – John Adams
“If God would have wanted us to live in a permissive society He would have given us Ten Suggestions and not Ten Commandments.” – Zig Ziglar
“We might come closer to balancing the budget if all of us lived closer to the Commandments and the Golden Rule.” – Ronald Reagan
“One of the great questions of philosophy is, do we innately have morality, or do we get it from celestial dictation? A study of the Ten Commandments is a very good way of getting into and resolving that issue.” – Christopher Hitchens (noted atheist)
“The Ten Commandments are the divinely revealed law.” – Roy Moore
“Congress should pass legislation to remove from the federal courts their jurisdiction to hear these outrageous challenges to the Ten Commandments and the Pledge of Allegiance.” – Phyllis Schlafly
“Man has made 32 million laws since the Commandments were handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai … but he has never improved on God’s law.” – Cecil B. DeMille
“I believe if more American children read the Ten Commandments and are taught what they mean, they will predictably engage in less crime.” – Gary Bauer
When government tramples over the rights of it's citizens, and the media stands by and look, it is difficult to decide who has committed the greater crime.
When civil rights are willfully violated by the government, particularly by law enforcement -- charged with protecting and serving us -- there can be few crimes with a greater victim to society.
As bad, or perhaps worse than a government trampling over the rights of it's citizens, is a press that sits by and does nothing but look on while this happens. Not only is this morally reprehensible, but it defies the very purpose of a free press in a free society.
Purpose Of The Press
For the press is not needed to entertain. There's nothing wrong with diversions, but this should never become the primary purpose of our press.
When football and baseball scores, TV and movie reviews start to dominate more space, and gain ever higher placement and prominence on your news sites, know that freedom everywhere is under fire. The smoke is rising but you're being told to look the other way.
The protections guaranteed us by law are routinely disregarded by our government. Sadly, these things were prophesied in the Bible, long, long ago. Some have studied the holy scriptures and are well aware of this. The vast majority of Americans are completely clueless.
We cannot entirely place blame on the common man for not knowing. After all, he's been conditioned all his life to rely on the press to keep him informed and aware. To make sure he's knows what is important. To warn him of looming disaster and threats.
So when the common man fails to see the danger ahead, proceeds blindly onward and is slaughtered, who then can we blame for this?
It is highly doubtful that any of these words written here today will effect much change in the manner in which mainstream media operates. I have absolutely no hope of witnessing such a miracle.
We Are Already At War
What I do have hope for, is that others will pick up the torch where I drop it. If the standard I've marched forward into battle bearing were to fall, I would hope that 10 brave souls would rush forward to pick it up.
In our age, much of the battles will be fought as an information war. A war to capture your mind, to divert your attention. To keep you from focusing on things that really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
We now face issues that are a serious threat not only to our way of life, that we've all come to enjoy and take for granted, but also to our very existence as a free country.
To many, these words may sound strange. To many, they may seem odd. Still others will quickly dismiss it as nonsense.
But to the chosen ones. To those tasked by God to do a great work. These words should serve to ignite the fire within. To wake up souls. Open your eyes wide. Lift your head up to the sky. Seek the protection of the Almighty and march on!
Anyone Can Be Erased
Later today, for the first time ever, I will take to the airwaves to relate my story, of being held in custody for 40 days in Baltimore correctional facilities. There were no charges. There was no warrant. Not even bail. When friends and family, including Maryland State Del. Jill P. Carter -- a defense attorney -- made official inquiry to the correctional facilities, they were all soundly told, I was not there. Even popular talk host and former State Senator Larry Young could not locate me through official channels.
As if that wasn't scary enough, that an innocent man, who's committed no crime could be held so long without anyone knowing. I had friends working inside the jail. Covertly I was allowed to see the internal inmate database. Indeed, through various searches using a multitude of matrices, with my own eyes I saw, there was no one even matching my description, anywhere to be found.
"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 NKJV There Will Be Casualties
What happened to James MacArthur was not only detestable, but should be seen as a serious threat to the peace, safety and liberty of any and all Americans. For if it happened to one, it can certainly happen to all. You could be next.
It was the great American Martin Luther King, who said; "injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere."
Another great American once said give "me liberty or give me death."
These are the words I now live by, in what's left of my relatively short, troubled life. I choose to be among the company of the courageous, and not among cowards.
I've lived a life that's been troubled, not because of drugs or alcohol, because I shun those substances. Not because of lack of opportunity or criminal wrong doing. No! My life has been a life troubled, simply because as one who decided long ago, to always go boldly forward with the truth. At times I found myself standing out front, facing the enemy, all alone.
The Future Belongs To The Brave
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 NKJV
Looking to my left, no one there. Look to my right, everyone took flight. A check to the rear, there was no one there.
While the everyday citizen is rarely in a position to make much impact by being a truth teller. The power and value of standing boldly on principle should never be dismissed. For what is done by one, is often copied by others.
Through word of mouth, person to person, and via the the near magical powers of the internet, words spoken by one mere man, even a common man, could be the media equivalent of one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.
Though some should meet disastrous fate, as in the case of mine. This should not serve as discouragement. For in war, even wars that were won, the winning side often suffers serious casualty as a result of fighting the good fight.
Your media may have failed you. Your press may have passed on, deciding not to alert you of the dangers that lay ahead. But James MacArthur has not. James MacArthur is not afraid. Not afraid of anything on this Earth. Not any man, beast or powers that be.
It is true I desire to live a long life, free of troubles and stress, to one day have grandchildren bouncing on my lap, but I am not so naive to think this is guaranteed to any man.
A man by the name of Douglas MacArthur-- you may have heard of him -- once said; “there is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity.”
I intend to make the most of the moments allowed me on this Earth. To seize upon every opportunity given me by the grace of God. While I am not perfect, as is no man. I intend to do all in my power, to not only live the kind of life God would have me live in my personal walk. But to carry on with confidence and bravery in doing his work.
Remember, a crime is a crime, no matter who, or what entity commits it.
Currently busy at work building an all day news, talk and information radio network, all while managing to elude evil people out for his neck, A.F. James MacArthur has become the established leader in on-scene, feet-on-the-street, Baltimore crime and emergency incident reporting. Baltimore's premier independent crime correspondent and street reporter, is a multimedia journalist who also covers urban decay and public corruption. He may be reached at 410-205-NEWS (6397) voice or text message, MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, and followed on numerous social media, including: @BaltoSpectator on twitter , Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
Updates may be kind of slow today. For some strange reason, the internet connection at MacArthur Media World Headquarters has been in and out (MOSTLY OUT!). This is very, very strange. Any conspiracy theorists out there? Please be patient while we work out a solution.
MESSAGE TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT/INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES
To all those who willfully, deliberately and routinely violate the civil rights of law abiding American Citizens; Yes, you're powerful. Sure, you're everywhere. But this is still America, and the Constitution of the United States Of America still reigns supreme as the law of the land. The Baltimore Spectator will vigorously and aggressively defend against any and all attempts at spying and suppression. Let it be known to all that we are already aware of the regular monitoring and shadowing attempts. There is nothing to hide, but cross the line and there will be hell to pay.
In the end, efforts to impinge upon the freedoms of the people will ultimately fail. Some of us may get taken out in the ongoing battle for true and lasting freedom, but as I've said many times before, and will say till the day I die or get taken out by you goons, THERE ARE MORE OF US, THAN THERE ARE OF YOU.
A.F. James MacArthur -- American patriot & lover of liberty.
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