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December 22, 2024

Part 4:

"Abuse of Power: A Comprehensive List of Alleged Federal Crimes by Key Figures in Government and Society"

Introduction

The following comprehensive list details allegations of potential federal crimes committed by key figures across government, corporate, and other influential sectors. These individuals, including high-ranking officials, corporate executives, and policymakers, are alleged to have violated laws protecting the integrity of the United States' justice system, constitutional rights, and public trust. From obstruction of justice and suppression of free speech to mishandling classified information and fabricating intelligence, the alleged actions outlined below have far-reaching implications. Together, they paint a troubling picture of systemic abuse of power, lack of transparency, and an erosion of the principles of accountability and fairness. Each entry is meticulously detailed to provide clarity on the allegations, the crimes potentially committed, and the consequences these actions may have on American society and democracy.


28. Peter Strzok

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What He Allegedly Did:

1. Abuse of FBI Authority for Political Purposes:

  • Incident: As a senior FBI official, Strzok led investigations into politically sensitive cases, including Crossfire Hurricane, where he allegedly allowed personal political biases to influence decision-making.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Used his position to target political figures and their associates under dubious pretenses, depriving them of constitutional protections.
    • Penalties: Up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

2. Misuse of Official Communications:

  • Incident: Text messages between Strzok and FBI attorney Lisa Page revealed potential coordination to undermine political figures, damaging the FBI’s credibility.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Conspiracy to Defraud the United States).
    • Explanation: Engaged in conduct that undermined impartial investigations and violated public trust.
    • Penalties: Up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Political figures investigated under compromised circumstances, and the American public.
  • Impact: Deepened public skepticism of the FBI’s impartiality and integrity in politically sensitive investigations.

29. Yoel Roth

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What He Allegedly Did:

1. Suppression of Lawful Political Speech:

  • Incident: As a senior Twitter executive, Roth allegedly coordinated with government agencies to censor information related to the Hunter Biden laptop story and other politically sensitive topics.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Engaged in activities that deprived users of their First Amendment rights by suppressing lawful speech at the behest of federal agencies.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Twitter users and the broader public, who were denied access to information critical to their decision-making.
  • Impact: Undermined confidence in social media platforms as neutral facilitators of free speech and deepened concerns about government overreach.

30. Laura Dehmlow

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What She Allegedly Did:

1. Orchestrating Suppression of Hunter Biden Laptop Allegations:

  • Incident: As an FBI official, Dehmlow led efforts to discredit information about the Hunter Biden laptop by characterizing it as Russian disinformation despite evidence to the contrary.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Used her authority to interfere with lawful public discourse and discredit information vital to the electorate.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Voters denied access to truthful information and journalists who reported on the laptop.
  • Impact: Undermined public trust in the FBI’s neutrality and fostered perceptions of bias in election-related matters.

31. Rob Flaherty

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What He Allegedly Did:

1. Coordinating Government-Initiated Censorship:

  • Incident: As White House Digital Director, Flaherty allegedly worked directly with social media companies to suppress content critical of the Biden Administration’s policies, including narratives on COVID-19 vaccines, lockdowns, and election-related concerns. He allegedly facilitated these activities by threatening regulatory action against platforms that failed to comply.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Conspired with private platforms to deprive Americans of their First Amendment rights to free speech.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: American citizens, journalists, and researchers whose posts were censored or de-platformed.
  • Impact: Undermined public trust in social media neutrality, exacerbated concerns about government overreach, and limited public access to a diversity of views during critical moments.

32. Adam Schiff

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What He Allegedly Did:

1. Abuse of Congressional Authority to Suppress Information:

  • Incident: As Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff allegedly pressured social media companies to suppress content he labeled as "misinformation," including discussions on Hunter Biden’s laptop and pandemic policies. Additionally, Schiff is accused of coordinating the removal of specific accounts or individuals critical of his party’s policies.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Misused his Congressional authority to suppress lawful speech, targeting specific narratives and individuals for censorship.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Citizens, journalists, and organizations whose content was restricted at Schiff’s urging.
  • Impact: Damaged public faith in Congress’s ability to act impartially and fueled fears of political weaponization of government authority.

33. Jeffrey Zients

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What He Allegedly Did:

1. Suppressing Dissenting Narratives on COVID-19 Policies:

  • Incident: As White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Zients allegedly directed efforts to label dissenting scientific opinions on pandemic response measures as “misinformation.” He worked with social media platforms to de-platform medical professionals and organizations that opposed lockdowns, mandates, or vaccine efficacy claims.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Collaborated with platforms to deprive individuals and organizations of their rights to free speech under the First Amendment.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Medical professionals, researchers, and American citizens who relied on access to uncensored scientific debate.
  • Impact: Contributed to distrust in public health measures and government messaging, eroding confidence in scientific institutions.

34. Ron Klain

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What He Allegedly Did:

1. Facilitating Federal Pressure to Censor Speech:

  • Incident: As White House Chief of Staff, Klain allegedly played a key role in coordinating with federal agencies and private platforms to suppress content deemed politically inconvenient. His actions allegedly extended to social media posts on elections, economic policies, and government failures during crises.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Participated in a conspiracy to suppress lawful speech critical of the administration, violating First Amendment protections.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Citizens, journalists, and advocacy groups whose content was censored under government direction.
  • Impact: Increased public skepticism of White House integrity and deepened concerns about government control over public discourse.

35. Avril Haines

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What She Allegedly Did:

1. Misuse of Intelligence Resources to Shape Public Perception:

  • Incident: As Director of National Intelligence, Haines allegedly directed intelligence resources to discredit lawful narratives deemed politically harmful, including those related to the origins of COVID-19 and foreign election interference. She allegedly facilitated these efforts by coordinating with private platforms to censor critical perspectives.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Orchestrated censorship operations that deprived Americans of their right to access truthful and lawful information.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Independent researchers, journalists, and the public, who were denied access to transparent intelligence findings.
  • Impact: Reduced public trust in the intelligence community and undermined the credibility of government responses to critical crises.

36. Samantha Vinograd

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What She Allegedly Did:

1. Suppression of Lawful Speech on National Security Issues:

  • Incident: As a senior national security official, Vinograd allegedly advocated for suppressing narratives critical of the administration’s cybersecurity and national security policies. This included facilitating efforts to label dissenting opinions as “disinformation.”
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Participated in a conspiracy to deprive Americans of their First Amendment rights by coordinating with agencies and private platforms to censor lawful speech.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: National security analysts, journalists, and the general public.
  • Impact: Undermined trust in government transparency, stifled legitimate debate on critical security issues, and reinforced fears of government overreach.

37. Anita Dunn

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What She Allegedly Did:

1. Coordinating Government-Supported Media Suppression:

  • Incident: As a senior advisor to the President, Dunn allegedly played a pivotal role in shaping White House strategies to influence private media organizations and suppress narratives critical of administration policies, particularly on economic and pandemic-related issues.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Worked with federal agencies and private companies to stifle lawful public discourse and promote government-approved messaging.
    • Penalties: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Independent journalists, political commentators, and the public.
  • Impact: Eroded trust in the media as an independent institution, raised concerns about state-sponsored censorship, and damaged democratic principles of free debate.

38. Fiona Hill

Total Potential Penalty: 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines

What She Allegedly Did:

1. Misrepresentation of Foreign Intelligence to Shape Policy Outcomes:

  • Incident: As a senior advisor on Russia and Europe, Hill allegedly provided biased or incomplete intelligence to support specific foreign policy objectives, suppressing dissenting perspectives within the administration.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (False Statements).
    • Explanation: Provided false or misleading statements during official intelligence briefings, affecting key decisions on U.S. foreign policy.
    • Penalties: Up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

2. Suppressing Alternative Foreign Policy Narratives:

  • Incident: Allegedly facilitated the suppression of dissenting voices critical of U.S. actions in Eastern Europe, labeling them as pro-Russian propaganda.
  • Specific Crime: 18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights).
    • Explanation: Worked with agencies to censor lawful debate on foreign policy issues.
    • Penalties: Up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

Potential Victims and Impact:

  • Victims: Foreign policy analysts, critics of U.S. intervention, and the public.
  • Impact: Limited open discussion on foreign policy, weakened trust in the impartiality of U.S. intelligence, and contributed to polarization on international issues.

End of Part 4.

More coming soon....

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Here is the clip from yesterday if you missed it.

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I think the clerk working for the government of Canada’s new “vaccine impact” program may have accidentally let slip more than she intended with respect to the previous company that was governing vaccine injury claims.

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Closing Argument: Birthright citizenship is deeply American, and wholly Constitutional.

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Board Poll: Trump v Jones, et al

Which do you think is more likely an explanation -- Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, Ron Paul, Megyn Kelly, MTG, Joe Kent, Joe Rogan, Tim Dillon, Theo Von, Dave Smith, Daniel Davis, Doug MacGregor, Rich Baris, myself, etc. -- all got "suddenly corrupted," "lost influence", prefer clicks to authenticity, or "went crazy" (the most common explanations for our shared criticism of Trump) OR they sincerely believe Trump has badly lost his way (even if you disagree w/ their criticisms)?

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Did anyone actually sincerely like the Grateful Dead?

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The Barnes Brief: Easter Weekend, 2026

**Alert: Amos Miller Special Dinner Fundraiser: https://www.1776lawcenter.com

I. INTRODUCTION 

A. Art of the Week

  • Simple, delicate art by our own board member, honoring the Amish and their deeply American way of life. A return to our roots, a remembrance of our past, the connection to nature, the celebration of life, the spiritual grounding of all. The light of the Creator shines through the archives of nature, and especially in the lives, lifestyles, and unbeatable smiles of the Amish. Many thanks to Janelle! 

B. Recommendation of the Week

C. Wisdom of the Week

  • "What these neoconservatives seek is to conscript American blood to make the world safe for Israel.” Pat Buchanan. 

D. Appearances

  • LIVE w/ Massie, etc on Massie Money Bomb. Starts about the 9 hour mark.
  • LIVE w/ Joe Kent
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  • LIVE w/ Daniel Davis

II. THE EVIDENCE

*NOTE: A reminder: links are NOT endorsements of the authors or their interpretation of events, but intended to expand our library of understanding as well as expose ideas of distinct perspective to our own. 

A. Barnes Library: Curated Weekly Articles

  1. Nuke the petrodollar? https://substack.com/home/post/p-193046193
  2. Hersh: ground war incoming. https://substack.com/home/post/p-192971172
  3. Shifting means of war. https://substack.com/@notesongeopolitics/note/c-227238425
  4. Oil market troubles. https://substack.com/home/post/p-192157738
  5. China dependency. https://substack.com/home/post/p-183818706

 *Bonus: Disruption over dominance. https://chandragupta.substack.com/p/adaptation-asymmetry-why-disruption

B. Best of the Board: Five Fun Posts of the Week

  1. Good, Good Friday. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7825982/robertbarnes-robertgouveia-vivafrei-amen
  2. Massie is the goat. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7823804/massie-is-the-goat
  3. Meme magic. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7824054/title
  4. Familial art. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7823418/hobby-time-so-i-took-a-picture-of-my-grandson-troy-and
  5. Biblical hope.https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7816973/as-i-awoke-this-morning-god-brought-a-verse-to-my-mind-im-watching-nearly-everyone-losing-hope-an

*Bonus: Board poll & discussion. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7826542/board-poll-iran-war

C. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

  1. Pay-for-Play Pam fired. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7817841/well-well-well-our-robertbarnes-was-just-a-couple-days-off-edit-sorry-robert-your-date-was-ap
  2. SCOTUS: Birthright Citizenship. https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2025/25-5146_6468.pdf
  3. Generals sacked. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7823954/title
  4. Chaz death verdict. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7823874/judge-denies-seattles-demand-for-new-trial-over-30-5-million-verdict-in-2020-chaz-shooting-death-o
  5. J6 pipe bomber exposed. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7815188/this-is-a-bombshell
  6. Tine Peters appeal outcome. https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tina_Opinion-1.pdf
  7. OKeefe 2A threatened. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7825133/https-youtube-com-watch-v-rzgl9wihqrs-si-kzhahe-xmdlxm00v-technically-he-doesnt-have-to-show-up
  8. Vance fraud czar. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7826391/i-feel-like-we-ve-seen-this-script-before-hopefully-it-has-a-different-ending-https-x-com-the
  9. Dalaiden dismissed. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7819571/finally-all-charges-dismissed-against-david-daleiden-evidence-baby-parts-for-sale-after-11-years
  10. Nutty Colorado rules. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7823702/https-x-com-ianspeir-status-2039724650150994362
  11. Bulls players dismissed for his religious views. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7826147/professor-jonathan-turley-below-is-my-column-in-the-new-york-post-on-the-termination-of-chicago-bu
  12. Time for enforcement. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7823424/https-x-com-afpost-status-2039789171112345664-the-mass-deportation-coalition

*A Board question. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7817093/could-any-of-the-illustrious-attorneys-on-the-board-please-explain-this-to-me-how-is-it-legal-to-ad

**Self-defense? https://courthousenews.com/maui-doctor-claims-self-defense-in-trial-over-wifes-cliffside-attack/

***Sony settlement for gamers. https://courthousenews.com/gamers-near-7-million-settlement-in-playstation-credits-with-sony/

D. Deep Dive: The Gulf 

  1. The genetic gulf between the Arabs & Iranians.
  2. The gulf within the Gulf.
  3. MBS: the Call of Duty fan in charge of the Saudis.
  4. Dubai mirage.
  5. The peculiar history of the Gulf.

*Doomberg: China doesn’t need the Gulf or Iran.

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: The Constitutional Constrictions on Holding Office

  • Article I, Section 3 conditions holding office as a Senator to those at least 30 years old, a citizen for at least 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent at the time of election. 
  • Article I, Section 2 conditions holding office in the House of Representatives to those at least 25 years of age, a citizen for at least 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent at the time of election. 
  • Article II, Section 1 requires anyone holding the office of the Presidency by a natural born Citizen, at least 35 years of age, and 14 years a resident within the country. 
  • Amendment XIV requires anyone holding the office of Senator or Representative to not have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the United States, not “given aid or comfort to the enemies” of the United States, the latter being defined to times of war. 
  • Amendment XXII further restricts Presidential office to those not elected more than twice and to ten years of Presidential service. 
  • Amendment XXV provides the protocol for a President “unable to discharge the power and duties of his office” permitting his removal on stricter grounds provided for by Impeachment and Removal clauses within the Constitution. 
  • The question thus beckons: if a minimum age be required for holding office, what about a maximum age? Should there be a mandatory retirement age for holding office? Why? Because their elder leaders were George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, not Nancy Pelosi or Joe Biden. Time to reconsider. 
Read full Article
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The Barnes Brief: Friday, March 27, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION 

**Alert: Amos Miller Special Dinner Fundraiser: https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7756876/1776-law-center-fundraiser-birthday-bash-at-amos-millers

A. Art of the Week

  • The artful studio, the hidden cigar room, and the secret negotiations place. The well-structured chairs, the comfortable cushions, the wood-paneled walls, the delicate lamps, the simple table, the luxuriant rug, the seafaring sailboat beckoning on the wall. The simple art of everyday aesthetics that shape mind and soul alike, the art that envelops and motivates at the same. An inviting, beckoning, hidden welcome. 

B. Recommendation of the Week

C. Wisdom of the Week

  • “The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.” Desiderius Erasmus. 

D. Appearances

  • Interview w/ Dr. Parsi.
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II. THE EVIDENCE

*NOTE: A reminder: links are NOT endorsements of the authors or their interpretation of events, but intended to expand our library of understanding as well as expose ideas of distinct perspective to our own. 

A. Barnes Library: Curated Weekly Articles

  1. The Gallipoli example. https://responsiblestatecraft.org/veterans-iran/
  2. Private credit risks spread. https://substack.com/home/post/p-192317151
  3. Doomberg’s perspective. https://newsletter.doomberg.com/p/house-of-pain
  4. Exit ramps. https://www.cato.org/commentary/how-end-war-iran
  5. Dr. Malone exits. https://thehighwire.com/watch/

 *Bonus: Rescued by hanging onto a cliff. https://abc7news.com/post/live-crews-working-rescue-person-clinging-cliff-house-san-francisco/18773788/

B. Best of the Board: Five Fun Posts of the Week

  1. Comedic wisdom. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7802545/this-ones-for-you-janet-fly-the-friendly-skies
  2. American roulette. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7802590/seems-pretty-accurate-from-where-i-sit-both-parties-are-poison-they-just-have-different-ideas-on
  3. Light and shadow at the Lighthouse. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7802467/title
  4. Malone warns. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7801997/they-tried-it-s-over
  5. Ideas for reformers. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7802626/here-it-is-robertbarnes-a-highly-detailed-and-extensively-researched-list-for-1776-law-center-u

*Bonus: Art meets nature. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7801135/title

C. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

  1. Free speech win. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/03/27/a_consent_decree_for_freedom_speech_153985.html
  2. Pentagon loses Anthropic block. https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.465515/gov.uscourts.cand.465515.134.0.pdf
  3. North Carolina voter id upheld. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/nc-voter-id-naacp-hirsch-berger.pdf
  4. Environmentalists lose. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/reclamation-water-contracts-ruling.pdf
  5. Cop negligence. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/monica-liliana-v-san-diego-ruling.pdf
  6. Musk loses. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/x-advertiser-boycott-lawsuit-dismissed.pdf
  7. Musk loses again. https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/elon-musk-challenges-twitter-fraud-verdict-flags-4-20-joke-as-jury-bias-93424.htm
  8. Facebook loses. https://courthousenews.com/meta-and-google-hit-with-6-million-verdict-for-social-media-harms-to-young-woman/
  9. Facebook loses again. https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/new-mexico-department-of-justice-wins-landmark-verdict-against-meta/
  10. SCOTUS: copyright law. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-171_bq7d.pdf
  11. SCOTUS: more immunity. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/25-297_bqm2.pdf
  12. SCOTUS: mail-in voting argument. https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2025/24-1260_8njq.pdf

*Bonus: A joke lawsuit over Lion King. https://www.slashfilm.com/2133281/the-lion-king-circle-of-life-singer-comedian-learnmore-jonasi-lawsuit/

**Bonus: Google settles again. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/5m-google-play-subscription-class-action-settlement/

***Bonus; MN sues over shootings. https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.290713/gov.uscourts.dcd.290713.1.0_2.pdf

D. Deep Dive: Sources on X to Follow on Iran War

  1. War analyst. https://x.com/pati_marins64
  2. Former Israeli defense intelligence. https://x.com/citrinowicz
  3. War & geopolitics nerd. https://x.com/policytensor
  4. Commodity manager. https://x.com/tleilax___
  5. Geopolitics from an economics perspective. https://x.com/DarioCpx?

*Bonus: War nerd. https://x.com/ripplebrain

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: An Answer to My Critics on Iran War

  • A few common complaints recur. Their most continuous error is the failure to step back and provide an effective overview. What are the rewards you seek? What is the probability the means you employ will obtain those rewards? What are the risks of using those means to obtain those rewards? What is the probability of those risks coming to fruition? This simple 4-step analysis is the very thing the critics can’t seem to meaningfully engage. Instead, the criticisms tend to conflate wishful thinking with geopolitical realism. 
  • For example: “Are you saying you want the Islamic regime in Iran to be the hegemon in the Middle East?” Nope. I am saying the current war is more and more likely to make them such a hegemon. This common confusion conflates wishful thinking with geopolitical realism. Recognizing a likely reality doesn’t make it a desirable reality. Wishing for a particular outcome doesn’t make it happen. This isn’t a fairytale world. 
  • Another: “Sounds like Barnes is moving the goal posts by labeling Iran's proxies as 'resistance movements. ' lol” It is important to use consistent, objective definitions for a label like “terrorism”, rather than the subjective whims of calling those you don’t like “terrorists” but excuse the identical conduct by those you support as something else. Terrorism has a long standing broadly understood definition: “the unlawful use of violence against civilians to intimidate societies for politicized objectives.” By that definition, Iran’s support tends to be for rebels who mostly use violence against states or other armed rivals — e.g., the Houthis, Hezbollah and the Shia Militias in Iraq. By contrast, they fought ISIS more than we did. By our own State Department, more terrorism happens by Israel and US backed groups than by Iran. Pretending otherwise makes the Iran critics look hypocritical and fraudulent. Equally, and more importantly for American security interests, it makes Iran’s government not an imminent threat to Americans in our own homeland. As is, even if it did, the war creates far more terrorists who will target America.  
  • A third: “I guess a 4000km range missile doesn't worry Mr. Barnes. Personally, I would prefer a non-radioactive Middle East.” Once again, what is your evidence Iran would use nuclear armed ballistic missiles against the United States when they have whenever attacked us in our homeland, ever? Even if you believed that was so, how do you think the war reduces that risk? 
  • This fundamental failure to test their own assumptions, filter their own arguments through an objectively verifiable standard, and their dubious sourcing relying on emotional appeals, the critics reveal their lack of quality arguments for their position. 
  • My take: I see the reward of a peaceful, democratic, pro-American, pro-Israel regime in Iran as highly unlikely. I see the reward of an Iran incapable of making nuclear weapons as equally unlikely. I see the reward of a docile, submissive Iran, unsupportive of Shia rebel groups and the Palestinians as equally unlikely. Indeed, I see the risk of a more hostile, more likely to get nuclear weapons, more likely to embrace true terrorism, as the more probable outcome of the war. As important, I see the risk of Democratic dominance for a half-decade as much more likely than Iran becoming the 1978 Shah’s version of Iran, due to the betrayal to anti-war voters, the economic fallout from the conflict, the budgetary cost of the war, and the way it sucks all the oxygen out of the room from achieving any meaningful reforms of the kind Trump voters elected him to achieve.
  • It is that risk-reward analysis that leads to my skepticism toward the war. Those who disagree need to do so on those terms — what is the sought after reward?; what is the price, or risk, of the means chosen to obtain that reward?; compare and contrast the two to come to a decision about the policy preferences concerning the war. The fact the critics cannot even try to do so speaks volumes about the absence of good arguments on their side of supporting the war. 
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The Barnes Brief: Weekend of March 20, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION 

**Alert: Amos Miller Special Dinner Fundraiser: https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7756876/1776-law-center-fundraiser-birthday-bash-at-amos-millers

A. Art of the Week

Persepolis: the ancient city of the Achaemenid Empire founded centuries ago by Darius the Great in succession from Cyrus. The Gate of All Nations invites visitors to this 3,000 year old ceremonial city celebrating the power of Persian culture and its echoing effect across the Iranian nation today. The Gate itself integrated the languages of the time — Elamite, Babylonian and Old Persian, with its symbols of strength but solemnity, showcasing power without threat, as the columns facing the public stand the Lamas, mythical legends with the bodies of a bull, the wings of an eagle, and the heads of the human leaders. Such legends still shape much of the Persian mindset to this day.  

B. Recommendation of the Week

A unique travelogue on Iran. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/161711.Mirrors_of_the_Unseen

C. Wisdom of the Week

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” Rumi. 

D. Appearances

  • LIVE w/ Tom Woods

https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7780307/tom-woods-interview

  • LIVE w/ Nina Infinity

II. THE EVIDENCE

*NOTE: A reminder: links are NOT endorsements of the authors or their interpretation of events, but intended to expand our library of understanding as well as expose ideas of distinct perspective to our own. 

A. Barnes Library: Curated Weekly Articles

  1. Russiagate lies. https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2026/03/20/fbi_misled_court_to_spy_on_second_trump_campaign_adviser_1171646.html
  2. Democrats lack growth agenda. https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/democrats-dont-have-a-growth-program
  3. Iran war intent. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/how-iran-sees-war
  4. Hormuz risks. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/03/20/solving_the_hormuz_problem_imposing_costs_without_incurring_risk_153960.html
  5. Polling on who benefits from Iran War. https://substack.com/@greenwald/note/c-230246413

 *Bonus: The Greeks rescue the pets. https://www.oregonlive.com/nation/2026/03/greece-launches-animal-airlift-to-evacuate-pets-and-owners-from-mideast.html

B. Best of the Board: Five Fantastic Posts of the Week

  1. Board insight on F35. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7782690/this-is-exactly-the-weakness-i-have-been-pointing-out-in-the-f-35-design-for-years-it-uses-what-is
  2. RIP a legend. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7783832/chuck-norris-passed-away-one-of-those-men-you-just-expect-to-live-forever-thank-you-for-all-the-en
  3. Memeatic magic from the OG. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7784089/in-honor-of-chuck-norris
  4. Gas price reports from Europe. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7784098/well-we-have-hit-11-pr-gal-of-diesel-in-noway
  5. Board wisdom. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7782594/thinking-about-jd-vance-s-position-and-last-nights-bwb-comment-that-at-some-point-jd-should-step-a

*Bonus: Magical photography from a board member. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7782916/some-images-from-late-october-and-early-nov-2025-another-outing-with-my-wife-her-spotting-with-bi

C. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

  1. SCOTUS: street preacher win! https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/olivier-city-of-brandon-scotus-opinion.pdf
  2. Joe Kent targeted. https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/joe-kent-fbi-leak-investigation
  3. Richin verdict. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7779244/summary-of-closing-arguments-in-kouri-richie-trial
  4. DOJ withdraws abortion pill challenge. https://www.nationalreview.com/news/slap-in-the-face-major-pro-life-group-unloads-on-trump-admin-after-doj-moves-to-dismiss-abortion-pill-suits/
  5. Judicial coup against Kennedy. https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/judge-says-hes-ruling-against-rfk-jr-move-to-block-gender-dysphoria-procedures-for-kids-6001419?utm_source=andshare
  6. Judicial coup against Kennedy part 2. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Murphy-vaccine-ruling.pdf
  7. AI plans. https://conservativeladiesofamerica.substack.com/p/nationwide-age-assurance-takes-center?triedRedirect=true
  8. Latest California insanity. https://www.thecollegefix.com/calif-democrats-advance-measure-to-allow-race-based-preferences-in-financial-aid/
  9. Powell plans to usurp Fed further. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/03/19/freekevin_153957.html
  10. Afroman wins. https://www.oregonlive.com/nation/2026/03/greece-launches-animal-airlift-to-evacuate-pets-and-owners-from-mideast.html
    Trump DOJ sues Harvard over Israel statements. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/justice-department-harvard-antisemitism-complaint.pdf
  11. Campaign disclosure laws. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/american-future-fund-ny-elections-appellant-brief.pdf
  12. Trump AG loses effort to support corporate farming. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/united-states-vs-california-ruling.pdf

*Bonus: Disney settles latest scam. https://courthousenews.com/disney-settles-livestream-subscriber-class-action-for-50-million/

**Bonus: States sue over mergers. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/attorneys-general-nexstar-lawsuit.pdf

***Bonus: Court clerk sues judge over libel & corruption. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/maness-tanner-complaint-political-defamation.pdf

D. Deep Dive: Private Capital Market Risks

  1. Financial system risks. https://goghieas.substack.com/p/is-private-credit-another-2008-not
  2. Liquidity issues. https://romulusstrategy.substack.com/p/the-liquidity-illusion-in-private
  3. Iran war ties. https://matein.substack.com/p/private-credits-meltdown-will-hurt
  4. Roaches exposed. https://eurodollaruniversity.substack.com/p/private-credit-and-the-return-of
  5. 2008 echoes. https://discussthetape.substack.com/p/the-butterfly-effect-what-is-really

*Bonus: A 401K/IRA perspective. https://felixprehn.substack.com/p/private-credit-risks-what-us-retirees

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: Article I, Legislative Immunity

  • The Constitution affords Congress broad leniency in terms of transparency, internal operations, and immunity from the other branches of government in the exercise of its legislative duties. 
  • First, under Article 1, Section 5, Congress can exempt any of its proceedings from public transparency whenever it “may in their Judgment require secrecy” from the duty to keep and publish the journal of its proceedings. 
  • Second, under Article 1, Section 5, Congress “may determine the Rules of its Proceedings”, “punish members for disorderly Behavior”, and may expel a member “with the Concurrence of two-thirds.” 
  • Third, under Article 1, Section 6, the compensation of members of Congress can be set by them, and must be paid out of the Treasury, prohibiting the power of payment from the executive branch’s control of the Congress. The Twenty-Seventh Amendment, the last amendment to be passed, limits this power to “until an election” has “intervened” between the time of the passage of a compensation law and its enforcement. 
  • Fourth, under Article 1, Section 6, members of Congress are “privileged from arrest during their attendance” and during their transit, except for the limited crimes of Treason and Felony breach of the Peace. 
  • Fifth, under Article 1, Section 6, no member of Congress can be questioned “in any other place” for any of their “speech or debate in either house”, the so-called Speech & Debate clause immunity from libel and slander suits for their speech inside the Chamber. 
  • These privileges intend to afford members of Congress sufficient, but no more than sufficient, immunity from the other branches of government in order to capably, confidently, and competently perform their legislative duties. Of course, it can’t fix the corruptibility, cowardice, or constricted cognitive capacity of Congress. 
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