Alright, folks, buckle up because we're diving into the absurdity that is the South Carolina Legislature's latest session. This isn't just a recap; it's a revelation of how our so-called "representatives" have mastered the art of Legal Plunder, trampling on individual and economic freedoms, and expanding the monstrous apparatus of state government. Oh, and guess what? The party pulling these stunts isn't the Democrats, but the supposed champions of conservatism, the Republican Party.

Legal Plunder: Your Tax Dollars at Work (for Someone Else)

Let's talk about Legal Plunder – that charming practice where politicians snatch money from one group and hand it to another, all without consent. If private citizens did this, we'd call it theft and toss them in jail. Case in point: H.3811, which funnels taxpayer dollars into risky startup ventures. This is capitalism, not a charity drive. And then there's S.284, which lets local governments use your tax money to subsidize workforce housing. Last time I checked, the private sector was perfectly capable of handling housing where there's demand. But no, your tax dollars are being used to reward political cronies.

Trampling Individual & Economic Freedom

The right to property is the bedrock of liberty. But our legislators seem to think it's their job to infringe on that right. Take H.4364, regulating alcohol delivery and curbside pickup. Or the much-touted H.3594, Constitutional Carry. Sure, they claim it supports the Second Amendment, but it's riddled with restrictions, fines, and prison sentences. And don't get me started on H.4527/S.915, which creates a Governor's Health Czar. Remember Dr. Fauci's COVID debacles? Yeah, let’s repeat that on a state level. From occupational licensing for genetic counselors (S.241) to hiking insurance rates for businesses selling liquor, the hits just keep coming.

Expanding the Leviathan

Once upon a time, the Republican Party was about small government. Fast forward to today, and they're busy bloating the state's bureaucracy. H.5118, the South Carolina 10 Year Energy Transformation Act, is a classic example. S.915 and S.241 also make appearances here, pushing the boundaries of state control. And let's not forget the 2024-2025 budget proposals (H.5101 and g.5100), which inflate the government with an extra $31.1 million and 500 new employees. Our so-called conservatives are turning South Carolina into a bureaucratic nightmare.

Conclusion: Rethink Your Vote

So, next time you're at the polls, maybe think twice before you hit that "D" or "R" button. Both major parties have strayed far from the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They no longer champion limited government or the protection of your unalienable rights. There's only one party still fighting for those values: the Libertarian Party.

Postscript: Dive Deeper

This summary barely scratches the surface of the bills churned out by the 2023-2024 SC Legislature. For a deeper dive, check out Jonathan Hill's Substack "Bad Bill Sheet," emails from Talbert Black Jr.'s Palmetto Liberty PAC, and weekly legislative summaries from the South Carolina Policy Council. And, of course, www.scstatehouse.gov has all the legislative nitty-gritty.

So there you have it, folks. The South Carolina Legislature's latest session, stripped down to its libertarian bones.

Steve Hoffman is a lifelong political activist for Liberty Ideals.   Currently serving as the Chairman of Legislative Affairs Committee and a lifetime member of the Libertarian Party.  He has also was the Republican Party Liberty Caucus Alternate Director and Vice Chairman.  He holds Masters Degrees in Aeronautical Engineering in Aeronautical Science and Business Administration from University of New Hampshire and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  He retired as a Lead RAB/QSA Quality Management System Auditor.  He currently sits on the Advisory Board of Liberty Crack Media as a Founder.

Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Malus Dextra emerged in 2017 when guitarist Justin Ruesch (formerly of D-Railed/Brutal Harmony) joined forces with vocalist Wayne Allison (formerly of A Strand of Fate/Victims of Life). Their mission was to craft music that transcended the constraints of genre and subgenres. While deeply rooted in metal, their sound resonates with a diverse audience – from fans of Killswitch Engage and Slayer to Tom MacDonald and Adam Calhoun.

The duo entered Encapsulated Studios to produce their debut self-titled album, which was released on October 31, 2017. The album gained traction through tours in the Midwest and upper East Coast during 2018. Following this, Malus Dextra released their second full-length album, "The Gate," on October 31, 2020, which was supported by extensive Midwest tours.

In 2021, they released two simultaneous EPs: "Bangin Bionic Beats," a 6-track collection of reimagined tracks from their previous albums remixed by John McLucas of McLucas Studios (CA), and "A Somber Moment," a 6-track acoustic EP showcasing a softer side of the band, recorded at Encapsulated Studios with producer/engineer Gabe Usery.

The year 2022 marked the creation of their third full-length album, "III," their fifth studio release. The album was launched in parts, with "Part 1" released in November 2022 through WormHoleDeath Records. The lead single from the album, "Tomorrow," debuted on March 25, 2022, followed by the second single "Pit" later that year.

As of May 2024, Malus Dextra is gearing up for the release of "Malus Dextra III Part-2," with the first single "Feed the Beast" set to drop on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Malus Dextra’s music often delves into themes of personal and societal struggle, resilience, and defiance. Their lyrics, rich with imagery and emotion, challenge the status quo and inspire listeners to fight for personal freedom and authenticity. Tracks like "Feed the Beast" capture this spirit with lines like:

"Feed the beast / A worthy sacrifice / A living breathing expendable Christ / Tow the lines to sell the souls of them / Pay your pipers their flesh is your gold."

Their sound is a powerful blend of aggression and melody, creating a cathartic experience for their audience. With influences ranging from the raw energy of Slayer to the socio-political commentary of Tom MacDonald, Malus Dextra stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire change and forge connections.

In a world where conformity often overshadows individuality, Malus Dextra’s message is clear: "We must determine our own fate." Their journey is far from over, and as they continue to create and evolve, their music will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who listen.

Liberty Crack Radio will be featuring "Feed the Beast" on the release date this Friday and throughout the weekend!

Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron" presents a dystopian future where the government enforces artificial equality through handicaps that suppress people's natural abilities. While this is a fictional narrative, it provides an intriguing lens through which to examine real-world phenomena. In particular, the story's theme of imposed handicaps can be metaphorically applied to Donald Trump's legal challenges and their impact on his political standing, as reflected in his poll numbers.

The Handicaps: Legal Challenges

In "Harrison Bergeron," the government enforces equality by placing physical and mental handicaps on those who exhibit above-average abilities. For example, intelligent individuals must wear earpieces that emit distracting noises, and strong individuals are burdened with weights. This imagery resonates with the numerous legal challenges that Donald Trump faces. 

Trump's legal handicaps are varied and substantial:

1. **Indictments and Investigations**: Trump has faced multiple indictments, including charges related to hush money payments, classified document mishandling, and his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. These legal proceedings act as significant burdens, similar to the weights and earpieces in Vonnegut's story, aimed at restraining his political momentum.

2. **Civil Lawsuits**: Trump is also embroiled in various civil lawsuits, including those alleging business fraud and defamation. These lawsuits not only occupy his time and resources but also serve to tarnish his public image, analogous to the way handicaps in "Harrison Bergeron" diminish the capabilities of those who are naturally talented.

3. **Media Scrutiny**: Constant media coverage of Trump's legal issues acts as a modern-day equivalent of the mental handicap radio. The relentless focus on his legal troubles distracts from his political messaging and initiatives, creating a landscape where his actions and statements are continuously questioned and scrutinized.

The Poll Numbers: Public Perception

Despite the significant handicaps imposed by his legal troubles, Trump's poll numbers exhibit a resilience that can be seen as a defiance against these imposed burdens. This scenario parallels Harrison Bergeron's rebellion against the oppressive handicaps designed to suppress his potential.

1. **Stable Support Base**: Trump's core supporters remain steadfast, reflecting a deep-seated loyalty that transcends his legal issues. This unwavering base acts as a counterbalance to the handicaps, much like Harrison's raw strength and determination which allow him to temporarily break free from his restraints.

2. **Fluctuating Poll Numbers**: While Trump's overall popularity has seen fluctuations, his poll numbers often show a significant proportion of the electorate still backs him, regardless of ongoing legal battles. This phenomenon mirrors the societal undercurrents in "Harrison Bergeron," where individuals yearn for excellence and reject the notion of enforced mediocrity.

3. **Media Influence**: Just as the media amplifies Trump's legal handicaps, it also plays a role in shaping public perception. Positive coverage from certain media outlets can mitigate the impact of his legal challenges, akin to how Harrison Bergeron's brief rebellion inspires others to momentarily see the possibility of a different reality.

Conclusion: The Paradox of Handicaps and Resilience

Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" serves as a powerful allegory for the modern political landscape surrounding Donald Trump. The legal challenges he faces function as handicaps intended to diminish his influence and capabilities. However, much like Harrison's indomitable spirit, Trump's resilience in the polls indicates a complex interplay between suppression and defiance.

This comparison underscores a broader societal theme: the tension between imposed limitations and the inherent drive for excellence and freedom. While Trump’s legal issues are real and substantive, his ability to maintain a strong political presence despite these handicaps highlights the enduring nature of personal and political resilience, echoing the themes of Vonnegut's timeless story.