By Ryan Thompson, Punk Rock Libertarian

In 2010, I met Tim Loe during the campaign for Initiative 1068 to decriminalize cannabis in Washington State. We were thick as thieves. He was an AR-15 toting, truth-telling, cannabis-growing outlaw from Spokane; I was working as an automation engineer at Talyst and spending my off-hours organizing for freedom. Together, we helped steer the ship of Sensible Washington, coordinating grassroots signature drives and leading statewide meetings. Tim had grit, guts, and a deep-rooted distrust of government overreach.

Fourteen years later, I barely recognize the man I once considered a comrade.

The Fall From Liberty

Tim and I used to talk about decentralization, voluntary exchange, personal liberty, and the right to say no to state coercion. Somewhere between the end of the Obama era and the Trump phenomenon, Tim transformed. What was once mutual skepticism of power mutated into a full-throated defense of government as long as it targeted Trump.

I’m not even here to defend Trump. What concerns me is the complete collapse of our shared principles. Tim didn’t just change his mind—he changed his entire outlook on liberty. Suddenly, free markets were dangerous. Private industry was inherently evil. Self-regulation was a myth. And anyone who disagreed? A “Trumpkin.”

I’ve seen this before. It’s called Trump Derangement Syndrome. And it’s not just a meme—it’s a real psychological phenomenon. When someone’s hatred of Trump becomes so blinding that it overrides reason, facts, and formerly held values, that’s TDS.

Conversation 1: The Social Security Showdown

Reference to the full context: Click here

Tim Loe: “Maybe you should just take yourself out of the Social Security system entirely, if it is so corrupt and bad for the rest of us. Don’t bitch about what you get.”

My response: I never said “end Social Security.” I said don’t force me to participate. That’s a fundamental libertarian position: choice. I was forced to pay into a system for decades. I didn’t want to. But when I got injured in 2013, I cashed in on what was rightfully mine. That’s not hypocrisy. That’s justice.

Tim’s take here? That questioning the system disqualifies you from using it, even if it was forced upon you. That’s not logic—that’s bitterness.

Conversation 2: Industrial Poison and the Death of Free Markets

Reference to the full context: click here

Tim Loe: “I don’t trust many industries to regulate themselves. Corporations like Monsanto and Dow have poisoned people.”

My reply: I get it. My family were downwinders—killed by government WMD tests in Utah. Cancer ran through my lineage because of radioactive fallout. But I don’t jump from corporate misconduct to central planning. We fix harm with transparency, not centralized force. Let people choose better, and let bad actors fall on their face.

Tim wants government to fix what government already broke. That’s not liberty. That’s learned helplessness.

Conversation 3: The Proud Boys Smear

Reference to the full context: click here

Tim Loe: “Let’s talk about the more modern incarnation: the Pride (I mean Proud) Boyz.”

My reply: Proud Boys aren’t neo-Nazis. They’re multiracial. They expelled real racists. My friend Nicholas Ochs, a Proud Boy, ran for Congress in Hawaii. You can disagree with their tactics or style, but painting them as white supremacists is a smear tactic, not an argument.

It was like talking to MSNBC.

Star of Babylon to Star of Statism

Tim once authored books under the banner of Star of Babylon Press. That was back when he opposed Empire. Now, he defends it. Back then, he published against the mainstream. Now, he parrots it. Back then, he wanted decentralization. Now, he wants federal oversight.

What happened?

Was it the trauma of illness in his family? The heartbreak of corporate abuse? The betrayal of institutions? I can empathize. But I can’t condone abandoning the principles we once shared.

What TDS Really Does

Trump didn’t break Tim. TDS did. The inability to separate the man from the movement, the policies from the personality, the cringe from the constitution—that’s what kills relationships.

TDS made Tim forget that the enemy isn’t Trump. It’s authoritarianism, regardless of who wields it. It’s censorship, regardless of who it’s aimed at. It’s tyranny, whether it comes in red ties or rainbow flags.

We can’t fix this country by turning on each other. We can’t restore liberty by endorsing censorship, coercion, and guilt by association.

A Message to Tim (and Anyone Else Suffering TDS)

Tim, you’re still my brother, somewhere deep in there. I know your heart’s been through hell. But the solution isn’t more government. The solution is more freedom. If you ever find your way back to voluntaryism, to principled skepticism of power, I’ll be here. But I can’t walk with you down this new road.

And to those who’ve lost friends to TDS, know this: it’s not about Trump. It’s about fear, control, and the seductive appeal of moral certainty. Be patient. Be principled. And never stop standing for liberty—even if you have to stand alone.

References:

• Star of Babylon Press (archive)
• Social Security Rant Response Video
• Facebook Thread 1
• Facebook Thread 2
• Facebook Thread 3
• Tim Loe Facebook (direct quote)

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In a political twist that defies convention and challenges the status quo, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been re-elected as mayor of Davao City, despite being detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges related to his controversial war on drugs. This development not only underscores the enduring influence of the Duterte political dynasty but also signals a significant disruption to the Marcos administration’s grip on power.

A Landslide Victory from Behind Bars

Rodrigo Duterte secured a resounding victory in the Davao City mayoral race, garnering over 660,000 votes—eight times more than his closest rival, Karlo Nograles, a former Civil Service Commission chair and perceived ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This outcome is particularly remarkable given Duterte’s current incarceration, highlighting the unwavering support he commands in his hometown.

The Duterte Political Machine Remains Unbroken

The election results extend beyond Rodrigo Duterte’s personal triumph. His son, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, won the vice mayoral seat with a significant margin, and other family members secured key political positions. This consolidation of power within the Duterte family demonstrates their continued dominance in Davao City’s political landscape.

A Direct Challenge to the Marcos Administration

The Duterte family’s resurgence poses a direct challenge to President Marcos Jr.’s administration. The election results suggest a shift in public sentiment, with voters favoring the Duterte brand of governance over the current leadership. This shift is further emphasized by the election of several Duterte allies to the Senate, potentially impacting the balance of power at the national level.

Governance Amid Legal Challenges

Despite his detention, Rodrigo Duterte’s election raises questions about the logistics of governance. While the legal framework allows for his proclamation as mayor, the practicalities of administering city affairs from a detention center in The Hague remain uncertain. In the interim, Vice Mayor-elect Baste Duterte is expected to assume the responsibilities of the mayoral office.

Public Sentiment and the Future of Philippine Politics

The Duterte family’s electoral success reflects a broader public sentiment that values their approach to governance, characterized by a tough stance on crime and a focus on order. This sentiment suggests a potential shift in the political landscape, with implications for future elections and the overall direction of the country’s leadership.

Conclusion

Rodrigo Duterte’s re-election as Davao City mayor, despite his detention, underscores the complexities of Philippine politics and the enduring influence of political dynasties. This development challenges the Marcos administration and signals a potential realignment in the country’s political dynamics.

References:

• Detained Philippines ex-President Duterte wins mayoral race in his home city
• Rodrigo Duterte wins Philippines mayoral election from jail
• Rodrigo Duterte wins Philippines mayoral election from jail cell in The Hague
• The Dutertes Aren’t Going Away Without a Fight: What to Take Away From the Philippines’ Election
• Detained in The Hague, Philippines’ Duterte wins hometown mayoral election
• Eleksyon 2025: Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed Davao City mayor
• 2025 Davao City local elections
• Baste Duterte after election results: ‘Davaoeños are not for sale’

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In the name of fighting fascism, Antifa has become a militant movement known more for its confrontational and violent tactics than for principled resistance to authoritarianism. While it claims to oppose totalitarianism, the methods of Antifa in the United States today bear an unsettling resemblance to those of the Sturmabteilung (SA)—the infamous Brownshirts who paved the way for Hitler’s rise in 1930s Germany.

This article explores the history and tactics of Antifa, compares them to the National Socialist Brownshirts, and draws attention to the tragic irony that Antifa’s actions closely align with the very definition of fascism. Further, we examine how several governments have formally classified Antifa as a terrorist group, and how the United States may soon follow suit.

Who Is Antifa?

Antifa—short for “anti-fascist”—is not a unified organization but a loosely affiliated network of left-wing activists. It lacks centralized leadership and formal structure, but its adherents are bound together by a shared opposition to what they consider fascism, racism, and authoritarianism. According to the CSIS, Antifa draws much of its inspiration from European anti-fascist movements, particularly from Germany and Italy in the early 20th century.

Tactically, Antifa engages in what it calls “direct action.” This includes doxing political opponents, counter-protesting conservative events, destroying property, assaulting individuals they label as fascists or racists, and advocating for the de-platforming of speakers—especially those from right-wing or libertarian backgrounds. The movement’s hallmark is the “black bloc” strategy, where activists wear black clothing and masks to conceal their identities during demonstrations.

Though its supporters argue that such tactics are necessary to prevent the spread of fascist ideologies, others—including many on the left—have expressed alarm at Antifa’s authoritarian behavior. The use of coercion, intimidation, and physical violence to silence dissent is at the core of the critique.

One illustrative example comes from Portland, Oregon, where conservative journalist Andy Ngo was repeatedly assaulted while reporting on Antifa activities. In 2023, a jury awarded Ngo $300,000 in a lawsuit against Antifa members who were found liable for physical attacks (KPTV).

The Brownshirts: Shock Troops of Authoritarianism

The Sturmabteilung (SA), also known as the Brownshirts, served as the paramilitary wing of Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party) during its early rise to power in Weimar Germany. The SA was instrumental in the Nazi strategy of suppressing dissent through street-level violence and political intimidation. Led by Ernst Röhm, the Brownshirts disrupted political rallies, attacked rival political groups (particularly communists and social democrats), and enforced ideological conformity through fear.

Wearing uniforms and operating with the implicit backing of the Nazi Party, the SA created a climate of lawlessness and political terror in Germany. Their actions were vital in undermining the legitimacy of the democratic Weimar Republic and preparing the ground for totalitarian rule.

The SA eventually became too powerful and unruly even for Hitler. In 1934, during the “Night of the Long Knives,” Hitler ordered the execution of Röhm and other top SA leaders to consolidate his control and reassure the German military elite.

Parallels Between Antifa and the SA

Though Antifa and the SA emerge from different ideological roots—left-wing anarchism versus right-wing nationalism—their tactics, strategies, and ultimate effects on civil society show troubling overlap:

1. Political Intimidation

Both Antifa and the SA used violence and threats to suppress opposing viewpoints. For the SA, it was communists and liberals; for Antifa, it’s conservatives, libertarians, and anyone deemed “fascist”—often based on loose criteria or guilt by association.

2. Street Violence as a Political Tool

The Brownshirts famously engaged in brawls and riots. Antifa has followed suit, often initiating clashes at public events and protests. Numerous Antifa actions in cities like Portland and Berkeley have resulted in serious injuries and widespread property damage.

3. Suppression of Speech

The SA disrupted speeches and meetings by opponents. Antifa routinely shuts down events and intimidates speakers at universities or political rallies. They’ve even attacked journalists and bystanders, mirroring the SA’s disdain for independent reporting.

4. Uniformity and Anonymity

The SA wore brown uniforms to project force and discipline. Antifa’s black bloc serves a similar function—intimidation, solidarity, and the protection of anonymity to avoid accountability.

The Fascist Irony

Fascism, as defined by Merriam-Webster, involves “forcible suppression of opposition,” centralized control, and the exaltation of ideology above individual rights. The hallmark of fascism is not necessarily its political direction—left or right—but its authoritarian nature and the methods used to enforce compliance.

This is where the bitter irony lies: Antifa, in its pursuit to root out fascism, employs the very mechanisms of fascist oppression. Its willingness to use violence, to suppress dissent, and to intimidate political rivals violates the principles of liberal democracy and free expression. It acts not as a bulwark against tyranny but as a mirror of it.

Antifa’s Global Classification as a Terrorist Group

Governments around the world have started recognizing the threat posed by violent Antifa cells. In 2020, Germany, which has a particularly high sensitivity to political extremism due to its history, classified some Antifa groups as violent extremists. In Austria, violent Antifa groups have been scrutinized for inciting political violence under anti-terror laws.

The United States is now considering similar action. H.Res.26—introduced in the 119th Congress—calls for the designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The resolution states:

“Antifa represents opposition to the democratic ideals of peaceful assembly and free speech for all. They have used violence to achieve political ends, much like other domestic extremist movements of the past.”
(Congressional Source)

While the bill has yet to pass, it reflects growing concern over the destabilizing effects of ideologically driven political violence—regardless of whether it wears a red armband or a black hoodie.

Conclusion: The Price of Fighting Monsters

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche warned, “He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster.” In attempting to fight fascism with fists and firebombs, Antifa has crossed the line into the very realm of authoritarian coercion it claims to oppose.

The comparison to the Nazi Brownshirts is not mere hyperbole—it is a sober reflection on how political violence, once normalized, becomes self-justifying and destructive. If our society is to preserve the values of liberty, tolerance, and dialogue, we must reject all forms of ideological extremism that rely on violence—no matter their stated goals.

To oppose fascism effectively, we must do so without becoming fascists ourselves.

• 🔗 Wikipedia: Antifa (United States) – Overview of the movement’s history, structure, and tactics.
• 🔗 Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): Who Are Antifa, and Are They a Threat? – Analysis of Antifa’s structure, ideology, and incidents of violence.
• 🔗 Fox Business: What is Antifa and Who Funds It? – Discussion on Antifa’s financial backing and international presence.
• 🔗 KPTV News: Conservative Journalist Awarded $300K in Lawsuit Against Portland Antifa Members – Reporting on the Andy Ngo civil case and physical attacks.
• 🔗 History Hit: Hitler’s Bullyboys – The Role of the SA in Nazi Germany – Historical background on the Sturmabteilung (SA) and their violent role in Hitler’s rise.
• 🔗 Wikipedia: Night of the Long Knives – Account of Hitler’s purge of the SA leadership.
• 🔗 Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Definition of Fascism – Source for the formal definition of fascism used in the article.
• 🔗 U.S. Congress: H.Res.26 – Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization – Legislation introduced to officially designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist group.

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While the corporate press still pretends that defending your borders is a thought crime and prioritizing your own citizens is somehow “xenophobic,” President Donald Trump just dropped a disruption bomb on that narrative—one that actually helps people who deserve it. And I mean really deserve it: our homeless veterans.

According to Fox News Digital, Trump signed an executive order creating the National Center for Warrior Independence, using funds that were previously wasted on housing and services for illegal aliens. You read that right—money that was going toward people who broke the law to get into the U.S. is now being rightfully reallocated to help men and women who risked life and limb to protect this country.

Priorities: Finally in Order

Let’s call this what it is: a total reframing of American values in policy form. After years of watching bureaucrats fawn over “undocumented migrants” while veterans slept in tents blocks away from government offices, it’s refreshing to see leadership that doesn’t treat patriotism like a punchline.

This new center in Los Angeles is being designed to house up to 6,000 homeless vets by 2028—in a city with the highest concentration of homeless veterans in the country. It’s not just about housing either. It’s about rebuilding dignity with substance abuse treatment, access to jobs, and streamlined care. This is exactly the kind of self-sufficiency over dependency that real Disruptarians value.

And for those who say, “But what about the poor migrants?” — let me ask you this:
How long are we going to ignore the people who earned our support, just to virtue signal about those who didn’t? That’s not compassion, that’s cowardice disguised as kindness.

Veterans First, Not Last

This isn’t just symbolic. It’s functional. Trump’s order doesn’t just promise aid—it demands accountability from the Department of Veterans Affairs, a swampy mess of bureaucracy that’s been plagued by corruption, cover-ups, and catastrophic wait times. The fact that this executive order includes provisions to punish VA officials for misconduct and reverse Biden’s policy of reinstating fired bad actors? That’s how you clean house.

Trump’s move also mandates increased care access, including expanded hours, weekend appointments, and virtual healthcare—you know, the kind of customer service your average DMV couldn’t dream of. This is private-sector logic applied to public sector dysfunction. And for those of us who’ve spent time battling state-run systems—especially after trauma or injury—it’s about damn time.

Punk Rock Governance? You Bet.

Some people still ask me why I, a lifelong punk rocker and liberty-lover, support Trump. Here’s why: Because disruption without direction is just noise. But this? This is principled disruption. This is what it looks like when a leader shakes the system to prioritize real people, not just media narratives. When you drain the swamp, you don’t start with slogans—you start with redirecting power and money away from parasites and toward purpose.

Trump’s executive order is a giant middle finger to the DC cocktail circuit that thinks “border security” is a dirty word and that “national identity” is outdated. It’s a rebuke of the woke technocrats who want to re-engineer society from the top down—while veterans rot in the gutter.

The Punk Rock Libertarian Bottom Line

• We’ve been subsidizing failure—open borders, mass illegal immigration, and endless bureaucratic graft—for too long.
• It’s time to subsidize sacrifice, not lawbreaking.
• Trump’s move to prioritize homeless veterans over illegal aliens is not just the right call—it’s the only morally defensible one.
• Rebuilding national pride doesn’t start with corporate slogans. It starts with taking care of the warriors who defended your freedom.

This is what I mean when I say Disruptarian values in action:
Decentralized power. Localized aid. Real accountability. Voluntary support where it’s deserved—not coerced redistribution for political gain.

So to the critics wringing their hands about “xenophobia” or “compassion fatigue,” let me offer this:
If you don’t put your own oxygen mask on first, you can’t help anyone else.
And right now, America’s veterans are suffocating.

Thank you, Trump, for disrupting the rot and reminding us what patriotism with teeth looks like.

Join the fight. Support liberty. Share this story. And as always—question the narrative, disrupt the system, and never comply.
— Ryan “Dickie” Thompson, The Punk Rock Libertarian

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By Ryan Thompson aka The Punk Rock Libertarian | Disruptarian.com

It’s not every day you see a parade of cognitive dissonance, hypocrisy, and deranged ideology unravel so perfectly as it did in the latest Sky News breakdown. From Neil Young’s cringe protest ballad to Kamala Harris’ Met Gala cosplay, the spectacle was less “progressive politics” and more like watching a woke circus in slow collapse. And as always, I’m here to cut through the noise.

Let’s start with the virtue signaler-in-chief, Neil Young. After trying to cancel Joe Rogan from Spotify (because heaven forbid someone express dissent), Young pulled his music in protest. “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both,” he whined. Fast-forward a few months, and guess who’s back on Spotify? Apparently, selling out isn’t just for corporations anymore. His latest protest song against Elon Musk sounds like it was recorded on a broken kazoo during a windstorm. The lyrics? Garbled nonsense about fascism and electric cars. As cringe as it gets.

But that’s just the opening act.

Enter the circular firing squad of the Democratic Party. You’ve got James Carville, a relic of Clinton-era triangulation, lambasting younger DNC operatives for turning their guns inward. David Hogg, perpetually angry and terminally woke, doubles down. It’s a civil war of uselessness, and it’s glorious to watch. The left eats its own, because when your politics is based on grievance, purity, and perpetual revolution, you’re never pure enough.

Sean Penn? Oh man. The Hollywood Marxist compared Trump to a murderous ex-husband who’d rather kill the world than let it go. This from the same guy who sang lullabies to Hugo Chavez, a man who turned Venezuela into a dystopian wasteland. If Trump is a narcissist with a messiah complex, what do we call a guy who slobbers over actual despots but shrieks about imagined ones?

And speaking of melodrama, Michelle Obama is back in the spotlight with her usual blend of grievance and gold-plated victimhood. Crying about the “costs” of living in the White House while sitting on a net worth somewhere north of $100 million? Tone-deaf doesn’t even begin to describe it. It’s Marie Antoinette levels of elitism wrapped in the language of oppression.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris showed up at the Met Gala in an outfit that looked like a half-baked metaphor for her entire career: flashy, expensive, and confusing. She’s polling ahead in the Democratic field, but only because nobody else has dared to put their name in the hat yet. Trust me, once Newsom, Whitmer, or Shapiro decide to jump in, she’ll be relegated back to the sidelines with a scarf and a soundbite.

Now let’s pivot to border security. Steven Miller (love him or hate him) made a blistering case that the Biden administration’s failure to control illegal immigration has become a national disgrace. And he’s right. We’re not even pretending to vet who comes in anymore. But if you’re a gangbanger, fentanyl trafficker, or child predator, the Democrats want to ensure you get due process and free legal aid. The actual American victims of these crimes? Silenced. Forgotten. Disposable.

And let’s not overlook the absurd hypocrisy on censorship. Remember when Democrats and their media acolytes screamed about disinformation, fascism, and the end of democracy under Trump? Now they cheer on political prosecutions, censorship of dissenting opinions, and weaponized bureaucracy. But hey, at least they care about pronouns, right?

Even the entertainment world isn’t spared. The casting of a DEI-overloaded version of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert isn’t about art or theater—it’s about virtue signaling and box-checking. Don’t expect a Broadway hit; expect a cultural eye-roll and empty seats.

And then there’s the image of Trump as the Pope. A clear, satirical meme—meant as humor, nothing more. But the media and their cathedral of cancel culture couldn’t handle the joke. Outrage ensued. Meanwhile, real religious mockery in the arts goes unchecked, and actual Christians are ridiculed. The lesson? It’s only offensive when it mocks them.

Oh, and don’t forget the Puff Daddy drama. Once hip-hop royalty, now possibly facing sex trafficking charges. I’ll wait for the trial to finish, but if he goes down, he won’t go alone. As always, follow the money, follow the tapes, and follow the elite connections they want buried.

Look, the Disruptarian perspective isn’t about left or right. It’s about seeing the manipulation, calling out the corporate-state complex, and exposing the ideological rot that’s infecting our institutions. Whether it’s grifters pretending to be revolutionaries, celebrities acting like martyrs, or politicians cashing in while America burns, we call it what it is.

We are the Punk Rock Libertarians. We don’t bend the knee. We don’t apologize for truth. We disrupt.

Stay loud. Stay sharp. Stay Disruptarian.

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In this episode of Disruptarian Radio, host Ryan “Dickie” Thompson and co-host Adrian Mulligan tackle one of the most explosive questions in U.S. policy: Is Social Security just a legalized Ponzi scheme?

Prompted by a bold statement from Elon Musk, who recently called Social Security a Ponzi scheme, the duo dives headfirst into this controversial claim—unpacking the math, the mechanics, and the moral implications of a system millions of Americans rely on but few truly understand.

They break down the fundamental difference between a legitimate insurance model and the way Social Security actually operates. Unlike private insurance, where premiums are linked to risk and potential payout, Social Security collects a flat payroll tax (13% combined) and offers capped returns—regardless of how much you paid in. That’s why someone like Elon Musk, who could pay in millions, would still only receive the same monthly benefit as someone who paid in a fraction of that amount.

The conversation explores how the current system depends on incoming worker contributions to fund existing retirees—structurally similar to a Ponzi scheme, which collapses when new contributions dry up. As birth rates fall and life expectancy rises, the worker-to-retiree ratio has dropped dramatically, threatening the sustainability of the entire system.

Ryan also shares a personal story—his near-fatal car accident and years of striving to work before applying for SSDI—highlighting both the necessity and the inefficiency of the system. He points out how Social Security helped him when he needed it, but he still sees the broader structural flaws as undeniable.

The episode also exposes disturbing findings from the Department of Government Efficiency, which reported that millions of Social Security checks are still being sent to people who are supposedly over 120 years old—raising serious questions about fraud, mismanagement, and the viability of the trust fund itself.

From the unsustainable math to generational inequality and administrative waste, this episode pulls no punches. Thompson and Mulligan challenge both the left and the right to stop avoiding reality and start having the hard conversations. They propose possible reforms—from means-testing to partial privatization—while stressing the need to preserve a safety net without pretending it’s something it’s not.

If you care about economic freedom, personal responsibility, and truth over political theater, this episode of Disruptarian Radio is a must-listen. The system may be broken, but the conversation to fix it starts here.

🎙️ Listen now, disrupt the narrative, and challenge the myths.

Reference to my take on this issue in 2011; Social Security is Slavery circa 2011

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