The Laughing Wolf – Commentary, Punditry, and More

Probabilities 2026

I want to be clear that this post is not prophecy, the office of prophet having passed out of the Church within the first two centuries after founding; but, rather, it is an oversimplification of the range of probabilities that I currently see. The number of permutations that are possible are, in my opinion, beyond the mind of man to discern and understand, and focusing on one specific thing always seems to effect or negate that thing. So, no prophecy; rather, two potential avenues with rather extensive gradations.

Along with Sarah A. Hoyt and a number of others, I’ve pushed for people to hold for several years now. To not react to the provocations of those who want to destroy civilization. For many of those provocations were designed to have the very people who believe in Western Civilization and such concepts as Freedom, Individual Rights and Responsibilities, Liberty, and the rest, take the steps to destroy them by their actions. I would still very much prefer we avoid those actions; however, we are fast approaching schwerpunkt, an inflection or even undulation point theoretically capable of forming a new dimension. Make no mistake, we truly are at a such a point.

On one hand, we truly do live in a golden age with unheard of prosperity and health on a global basis. Even with all the problems we have, the average person right now enjoys a standard of living almost undreamed of by our ancestors. Particularly in the West we have freedoms to make the philosophers blush; we have medical treatments that in comparison to even a hundred years ago can bring the dead back to life; public health and hygiene are at levels where any time they aren’t high becomes news rather than being the norm; and, we still dream.

We have Elon desperately working to get us out of the cradle and on the way to the stars. He and his team are even working on a flying car, not because it is currently practical but because they can (and I will bet the practicalities come rapidly upon it truly hitting the market). Nor is Elon alone. His work and actions have inspired a host of others, and where they are not forbidden to do so great things are happening.

That future is bright, and I am skipping over many of the things to come from it. Truly regenerative medicine is on the way, as are treatments for any number of currently “incurable” conditions. Economic prosperity goes hand in hand with advancements medical, technological, and otherwise. So does individual liberty.

On the other hand, we have the failed models of communism and socialism being propped up to cover outright fascism. The rule of a self-appointed “elite” with the proper credentials who operate through token leaders who’s loyalty is not to country they lead but rather to the global elite.

This is the government of no. No, you may not do that. No, you may not worship as you want. No, you may not do anything to get ahead. No, you may not speak freely. No, you may not peaceably assemble. no, No, NO! You see it all around you already: the EU, the commonwealth of formerly great Britain, and in the repressive regimes of so many other countries. Governments where simply disagreeing with the government can and does get you arrested — England is but one example.

The people behind such have been losing power for a while now, and are not happy about it. If the United States falls, they see not only saving their way of life, but of being able to bring about a world government of the credentialed “elite” that can be kept at a manageable level via control of food, technology, and innovation. That the masses would be just short of starving and have no real wealth (you will own nothing and like it), and and under complete control is a feature, not a bug, to them. That said peasantry could be used for many things, including let us say physical pleasures without let or compensation, is left unsaid but is already seen in actions both near and far.

Before I forget, do take the time to read Glenn’s excellent article and here’s a link to the book he mentions.

Ah, but this is just lurid fantasy being presented as if it were reality the bots say. To which I reply: go listen to them and read what they say. Start with Sen. Slotkin, who almost gleefully boasted of her anti-American plan to go after young people who work for Trump (or anyone declared an enemy). Look at the judge in DC who is forcing DOJ lawyers to sign a document they are not required to sign in order to go after them with lawfare in the future (and this on top of interjecting herself into a plan to upgrade a golf course, which is far outside her purview). Look at all the other judges getting away with lawfare against the current legally elected administration, and/or who are also rather clearly operating a multi-tier system of justice.

Keep in mind Slotkin is not alone. She is the most prominent of those who have spoken the truth to other true believers and realized belatedly it wasn’t as private as they thought. In fact, if you aren’t following the work being done by Data Republican you really need to as what she is documenting right now is nothing less than the planning of a coup after the election. The pig squeal by the Washington Post says much.

This is exactly one reason I have said hold and hope we can continue to hold. There appears to be a large effort to create civil unrest, specifically vigilante actions against criminals and others (including low-level politicians). These are actions that are essential to some of what Data Republican (and others) are revealing. Throw in a U.S. version of the riots in Europe (organized and funded by the same people and groups), et voila you have the grounds to take the actions being discussed “theoretically” or otherwise.

Thing is, I don’t want to see it because I think the credentialed idiots truly do not understand humanity, and in particular Americans. On the former, even those who have operated overseas rarely see the results of their color revolutions (much less normal ones) up close and personal. They think that the actions of the mobs are because they are uneducated savages, rather than simply because they are human. They also seem convinced, thanks to COVID, that Americans will willingly acquiesce and do as they are told — completely ignoring the massive and not particularly hidden non-compliance/malicious compliance of the masses. If we cross that line, it will be brutal and uncontrollable to a level they can’t begin to imagine.

I think their idea of being able to control, or turn up and down, the violence is about as likely as their idea they can control and manipulate the Islamic hordes they have unleashed into Europe and America. Think they missed the whole Iran thing, where the left and the Islamics joined forces to topple the Shah. As soon as the Shah was gone, the killings of those on the left began. Rule of thumb: the useful idiots are always first against the wall (or off the rooftop). Doesn’t seem to matter what flavor or color the revolution either.

I could go on, but there is a good bit to think about, research, and consider above. There are some points that may need more discussion, for which I hope we have time. I really don’t want to get into politics, or even the appearance of such, because of the path I am on. That said, God gave us not just Free Will (which is a big deal to the Orthodox) but also bodies and minds in his image — and I think we are meant to truly use the latter. What I’ve brought up today is less about political parties as it is seeing two clear paths. It’s similar, to my mind, to standing on railroad tracks and seeing a train speeding at you. Some would say to just trust in the lord and stand fast. For me, I feel obligated to point at the train, and the switch between tracks that is just ahead of us.

I know not which way the switch will be thrown. It’s finer than a razor’s edge on how it goes.

I know which way I hope it goes, though there will be blood and suffering either way. Team Credentialed Idiots has invested a lot into building a lawfare machine that is not going to go away absent being deliberately and even ruthlessly eradicated. They have other mechanisms in place as well, via the NGO pipeline. This is their last real chance to cling to the power (and wealth/position) they have held since WWII. As I’ve noted before (particularly with Vladimir) desperate people do stupid and desperate things. They would far rather burn down civilization if they can’t rule it.

Team Hope, on the other hand, offers the best path for Free Will and the growth of humanity. It is not just a bright future of things; but, an expansion of Freedom and Opportunity to levels of which are almost beyond dreams. Freedom of Religion, which will be gone in the other, will also result in a new birth of Faith.

Keep in mind that there is no real way to step off the track. The best we can do is prepare for what is coming, understanding that there will be some hardship either way. It is just that with Team Hope I see that hardship being limited in scope and duration, allowing us to keep most of the momentum towards a positive future as possible. On the other hand, I wasn’t joking when I said on X earlier today that I see a thousand years before we can claw our way back to the point we currently hold. Lives and more will be lost. Christianity, Judiasm, and other “problematic” (according to Team Credentialed Idiots) will face persecutions that will make what happened after the Bolshevik revolution (much less pagan Rome) seem like a picnic. After all, examples must be made and the Islamic hordes “fed” (at least until they can be controlled/eliminated, on which subject my money is on them and not TCI).

Also keep in mind that TCI really does want some martyrs of their own. Preferably low-level, but those behind this honestly view Slotkin as expendable and even more useful than the “loss” of multiple lower-level pawns. They consider themselves untouchable, and I would simply point out that even The Untouchables were touchable, after they were identified. Keep in mind that they want, they NEED, the excuse of random/vigilante violence to bring parts of their plan to fruition. When someone attacks, and you know where the blow is aimed, move the target — rule of Aikido that applies to the great game as well.

I’ve given what I can of the two broad probabilities I see. The choices you make are yours to make. I am Team Hope, and Team Faith. The choice is before you, make yours. Know also that refusing to make a choice automatically defaults you to Team CI and the darkness.

Meantime, kick your preparations into overdrive and pray. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

Sorry, Lite Posting

I warned people last week that this week would be lite. I really didn’t intend for it to be this lite. That said, it has been a bit busier than planned. We’ve had two special memorial services this week, an extra vigil, and an extra liturgy. I hope that is all the extra this week as it comes on top of two Byzantine chanting classes, and the regular akathist, vigil, and liturgy. Oh, I did forget, we are also distributing fliers today for our upcoming Christmas Village we do. Doubting I’m going to make the distribution, which is a shame as it is fun.

Add to it the need to get all my course reading done (including Augustine’s “City of God”) and a fasting blood draw that didn’t go quite as well as I hoped, and it’s interesting. Overall, I’m pleased with the results of the blood draw and it appears things are trending the way I hoped. Problem was, on top of the amount drawn (multiple tubes), I have become a hard stick since the lightning strike. My veins are apparently scarred and exhibiting other signs of frequent use.

One of the reasons I use the lab I do is that generally they have some very good people there. The lady this time was good, but the vein decided to play games with the stick. I felt it roll as she went in, and while she was able to get it without re-sticking, it wasn’t pleasant. Not her fault, but it did not make for a great day.

So, I’m behind and need to try to get everything done for the history course today if possible. That’s on top of some domestic chores that also have to get done today. So, this is it. Probably TMI, but a bit of what is going on. Will have to do a post one day on the special memorial services, as they are a good and interesting thing. More soon.

Amazon Wish List Update

Just a quick FYI, I’m in the process of massively updating my Amazon Wish List. I’ve dropped pretty much all of the “nice to have” with the exception of a couple of Seminary-related books and two storage “milk cans.” I mean, I would still love to have the still and some other items, but I’m really concentrating on things I consider essential.

There are a number of new food items on there. While I have a good stock of basics, issues from being hit by lightning continue to impact my digestive health. One example among many is that I’ve been advised not to have beans or products derived from beans for two years. The system is a bit sensitive right now, and I am pretty much on a strict carnivore while things (hopefully) settle down a bit. More on that soon as I’m having some blood work done which may have some answers.

So, no beans, rice is discouraged, and that takes a lot of easy things (dried beans and rice are easy to store) out of play. I’m working on canning a lot of beef, which is a learning curve. More on that soon too.

Bottom line, I’ve added a number of new items to the list and hopefully a range of prices though some things are expensive. Thanks to everyone who has sent things from the list, as they have been a huge help!

UPDATE I: To the person who sent me the powdered goat’s milk, THANK YOU! Arrived today.

Two More Good Reads

For some, this is a day off and while I have lots of class readings to do, here are two good reads for you. Both are worth the time and the thought.

First up, a good discussion of “Deconstructionism, Class Warfare, and Islamic Terrorism” Mr. Henderson does a good job laying this out.

Second, a guest post at Sarah A. Hoyt’s place. “Artificial Stupidity, The Prodigal Frankenstein’s Monster, and a Dead Irishman- A Guest Post By Thomas Kendal” lays out a lot of things far too many in the anti-AI and corporate media don’t want you to consider.

Good and fairly quick reads. Go enjoy some very good food for thought.

A Speech You Need To Hear

The more I listen to Marco Rubio, the more impressed I am. This speech sums up why. It is a speech which you need to hear. It traces a history of growth, of advancement, of a better future for all — and what we need to do to restore such. Take a listen, watch if you can. It is well worth it.

On this Columbus Day, let’s look back at what set things in motion for Columbus, Brendan, and others. Let’s make the right choices so we can gift that same growth and future to our descendants.

UPDATE I: Welcome Instapundit Readers! And thank you Sarah A. Hoyt for the kind link! Feel free to look around, kick the tires, and enjoy some of the other posts. You might enjoy some thoughts on securing European nukes, some discussion on the FlyDubai incident, or browsing through some of my pilgrimage and theological posts. Or perhaps reading about the untold story behind Hogan’s Heroes. Plenty here to read, and good, thoughtful discussion is appreciated.

Lite Posting Alert

Lots going on, lots to say, but next week is going to be busy and I am already behind schedule. We have some additional services during the week that are going to take a bit of my time. What isn’t claimed by my class will be claimed by them. Trying to get ahead, but…

The last few days have seen me canning a bunch of ground beef. I recently did a bulk buy of beef, and part of it was in the form of ground beef. As I have been saying, I have an odd feeling about the next six or so months, so wanted to get a good chunk of the ground beef into shelf-stable form just in case we have a power failure. First time doing ground beef, and it was a learning experience on several levels. Good news is I now know more about the process; what realistic limits/levels are for a day; and, potential issues.

Today I cooked up about three pounds of ground beef that I couldn’t process (15 lbs is my max limit per session), added in any ground beef that didn’t get canned or eaten, and threw in some more things to turn it into spaghetti sauce. Simmering now. I’m also rendering down the last of the fat I was able to scrape up/out of things and will add it to the Grade B tallow (my designation) from yesterday.

I’ve also gotten classwork done, a load of laundry very early this morning, and a few other things (vigil text is now done, edited, and ready to print). I usually don’t post on Sundays, and can’t guarantee Monday. May be a lite week but have a lot to share, especially on the canning. More soon.

Securing The Nukes

If you’ve followed my posts on England, Western Europe, or the need for a New (non-military) NATO, you know that I’ve been pushing for a two-fold plan to secure nukes when the inevitable happens. Macaroon doing his best Little Kim (Jong-il) impression simply underscores that need.

One fold is obvious: plans and means to go in and get the nukes via direct action. Sadly, such planning is very much needed.

The other is equally obvious, but also something that needs to be handled rather discretely and quietly. It’s ensuring that personal, back-channel, connections are maintained (and increased) so that responsible individuals in the UK, France, or even elsewhere know that they can bring the weapon or weapons under their control the the U.S. and get asylum in the process. People responsible for a weapon or weapons need to know that if they call a U.S. friend it will be taken care of quietly, professionally, and with minimum risk to as many people as possible. Quiet professionalism is paramount, as is trust.

Problem is, there is reason to believe that such possibilities are already a concern to other people who do not want to see such a thing happen. Anyone too friendly with the Americans (or too openly anti-American) may already be suspect. Friendships with members of other armed forces or governments has always been a counter-intelligence red flag. In the case of those who control, particularly physically, nukes it has always been triply so. Which makes the need to be discrete and professional absolute.

Thing is, personal trust and relationship is key in this case. Someone over nukes is not likely to just trust a “call this number” advertisement. They will want to go directly to someone they know and trust, and in whom such trust is as close to absolute as possible. So, we need to be fostering relationships that are strong, sincere, and not terribly obvious. Welcome back to the 70s and 80s (IYKYK). I sincerely and fully hope we are doing so, and laying the groundwork to accept such “gifts” as presented, even if we have to stick covert necks out a bit.

Because the other method has much larger risks and no guarantee of success. There is no guarantee here; but, it gives much better odds. For a number of reasons, this may be the last I write on this openly. It is well past the time we need to be doing the quiet part, and making sure that other forces know we are serious, and will deal with things in a quiet and professional manner. The outreach, if it hasn’t begun, is long overdue.

UPDATE I: Welcome Instapundit readers! While you are here, feel free to look around, kick the tires, and join in some of the discussions. Try this post on the Fly Dubai incident, this post on Vladimir’s upteenth threat to use nukes, or this post on Medical Preparedness. There are archives for every category, my recommendation is go to the last page (oldest) and work your way forward. Thanks for stopping by, hope you will continue to visit on a regular basis.

Medical Preparedness Fun

Okay, a fair question/point: why don’t I recommend more specific items/drugs/etc. This comes up after I pointed out in yesterday’s update that Doxy and Keflex are handy to have around in true disasters. Well, there’s some reasons I don’t do more and they are two fold. First, there are legal issues I don’t want to deal with. Second, a specific drug or supplement, or even lifestyle, that works for me may not work for others, and that means you need in part to loop back to the first item of discussion.

What is generally good to say is that you need to include medical in your preparedness plans. You need to have as much of a stock of your regular prescriptions and supplements as you can. You need to be able to do basic first aid and have the gear to do it. It really is a good idea for you and those around you to take as much advanced first aid as possible, up to and including Combat Life Saver, EMT, or other training as is practical and possible.

Fairly generic and standard preparedness instructions. And they are generic for a reason. There is a two-fold legal problem if you get specific. First, you create the potential for legal liability. You recommend something that works for you, someone else tries it and has a problem, and unfortunately in today’s society you open yourself up to lawsuits and related legal actions — as well as bad publicity. No, not all publicity is good. Second, you also open yourself up to claims of practicing medicine without a license. Look back at the last administration during COVID, and you saw that being done both de facto and de jure to medical professionals around the country who ran counter to Fraudsti and the official narrative. A number of the medical professionals they targeted still can’t practice, and you should look at the price paid by non-medical people as well. If you get shut down, you can’t do anyone much good.

Personally, I think there is a point where you have to stand up and be counted. Absent that need, I find it best to walk a line. I know what works for me, and I share that within limits. I also do caveat that what works for me may not work for you and to check with your doctor before starting certain new paths. Before I start certain new things I check either with my doctor, or other medical professionals I trust, to make sure I’m not doing something stupid with interactions or known problems with that protocol.

If you truly trust your doctor (and there are good reasons not to trust a number of medical types, just look at who did what during COVID), they should be a part of your preparedness planning. They can help you plan, make sure you have sufficient current prescriptions for known upcoming things like hurricanes (to go with something current), and may even be willing to help you with contingency items. Current times are one reason I truly miss the sadly defunct Doctors for Disaster Preparedness as their membership list was a great resource for competent and trustworthy medical services.

So, am I going to tell you to get X and take it under Y circumstances? No. Most of you are smart enough to know that you need to obtain various things that you know work for you/probable circumstances. You read the same books and articles I do (yeah, Dark Tide Rising series is a good one, as is Alas Babylon, Pulling Through, and a few others I’ve mentioned over the years) and can connect the dots. Long time readers may remember that I shared that I did take certain supplements back during COVID. Didn’t have to push things, most caught the hint (and I love that a nurse looked at my medicine/supplement list during that time, smiled, and mentioned she took a particular combo too…).

That said, I’m looking at two emergency medical kits that just happen to have pretty much everything you would need for an extended time in the wilderness (cough). Neither is huge, designed for travel (cough), and can get you through a number of tight spots. Problem is cost (for me) so if you want to hit the tip jar feel free as getting both is pricey (app. $600). Will I share more as I can? Yes. Especially if I get the chance to fully explore this option as I think it could be a very good one.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s good if you have a doctor or other medical professional on your preparedness team. Meantime, keep your eyes peeled as even a certified pharmacist can be a huge resource (many programs require them to learn to make various medications and other things from scratch). Me, I’m just glad my landlord has a special rental for contract medical professionals. Been a mix of doctors and nurses, but a nice resource to have nearby if things go sideways in any capacity.

So, don’t expect a lot of ‘you need X, Y, and Z drugs/supplies’ posts. Better to keep it generic in public while pointing towards certain things in a quiet way. For example, listing the drugs that work for a certain problem and noting that some may be more readily available than others. Or noting certain drugs or classes of drugs that end up being extensively used in major disasters. It is not my place to act as your doctor. It is, however, my place to remind you that making medical part of your preparedness is a good thing, as is having on hand the things that work and are legal for you in your circumstances with the help and advice of competent medical authorities. I will also note that a number of sources for emergency medical preparations offer free medical consultations in regards their products and your choices (and uses for) same. If you aren’t confident of your current doctor, such resources can be invaluable.

So, an answer to a point/comment. I am not likely to make specific recommendations of what products to have on hand. I am going to tell you that having as much first aid gear on hand as possible is a good thing. How exactly you construct your load-out is up to you. I may occasionally point to some resources who provide a variety of options or products; but, I will not be likely to recommend specific items within such products.

Hope this answers the question/comment/point.

Hello Vietnam!

Noticed that I seem to have picked up some readers from Vietnam, and I want to say welcome! I actually would like to visit Vietnam one day soon, both to explore and to explore reports that the Russian Orthodox Church is having some success there. Not something I thought I would be interested in during my youth, but older age has mellowed and I hope I do get the opportunity. Feel free to reach out with questions.

Not Capt. Trips But…

There are multiple reports coming out of an incident at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute in Russia. Most unofficial accounts cite a test tube breaking, resulting in the death of a researcher/technician. The unofficial accounts cite pneumonic plague, which is a very nasty beast.

The official accounts now say she died of an unknown/sudden pneumonia (cough) and that there was no containment breach. A travel prohibition issued by a nearby area has been rescinded, there are conflicting statements and actions, and it appears that the locals are rather clearly indicating who and what they believe by their actions.

There are also some panicked calls for suspending travel to/from Russia. Hate to tell you, but at this point even if it were a major containment breach such a ban is not going to do a lot of good. At this point you would likely be into tertiary spread — containment really only works in this day and age if immediate and complete.

Quick reaction: this is NOT Capt. Trips and you don’t need to start playing “Don’t Fear The Reaper” while re-watching a certain old movie on the web. That said, this is likely not a nothingburger either. Watching the official reaction to whatever did happen tells you something did happen and it is fairly serious. How serious is the question as right now this looks to be a regional problem; but, with global travel it may not stay a regional problem. Don’t expect openness and honesty out of any government in regards this incident.

Yet another heads-up and all of us should keep an eye out for unusual infection patterns, especially of anything “pneumonia” related. Though, since that is the current cause, it may get changed to flu/flu-like/respiratory/etc.

So, Be Prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

UPDATE I: Let me just say I agree with and share the sentiments of Instapundit and VodkaPundit. I will note that amoxicillin and doxycycline work well against bacterial pneumonia and might be easier to get than Gentamicin and fluoroquinolones which are used to treat plague in the U.S.

UPDATE II: A post well worth reading at Legal Insurrection.

UPDATE III: Adding part of my response to Bruce’s excellent comment: As for now, I think we’ve “lucked” out. Rather than any positive action by the Russian government, I think Divine Providence is far more at work. So far, there is no sign of secondary infection in the 200 or so being monitored, and the three-week lockdown of the hospitals and such ties into monitoring for secondary or even tertiary exposure. That neighboring countries have closed the borders is belated, but possibly helpful. Given some of the traffic out of the area, I really see the NORKS as being at risk but given general health and censorship, we would likely only have general knowledge of such in a worst-case scenario. Again, barring any out-of-country/high-level visitors at the time of the incident, I think we are likely to be okay. Note the careful wording of the Russian government agency who’s lab this is: the technician/researcher (some ambiguity of her job in different accounts) died without active plague in her system — which as others have noted is likely if she was on proper antibiotics. The damage already done can be fatal even if technically cured of the cause. Also on our side, doxycycline is very (app. 95%) effective and we have other items in the armory that are even more effective. Key is early treatment, even before formal diagnosis. We are now on alert and can act accordingly. Doxy (and Keflex for wounds) are good things to have in your emergency medical kits on a general basis, not just for this. By God’s Grace I think we are good on this one. Still, keep an eye out for any clusters of unusual illness, particularly respiratory.