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Western 'Civilization' Is Doomed To Aggressive Collapse, and by its Own Hand,
By Gary D. Barnett

“Western civilization is a loaded gun pointed at the head of this planet.”

~ Terence McKenna

The word civilization from Latin is civis, which means citizen, and civitas, which means city-state. It is seen as ‘enlightened culture’ instead of barbarism. A more modern take on the Latin root of this word would be a society which has developed a writing system, government, production of surplus food, division of labor, and ‘urbanization.’ The two trouble spots here are the false belief in the necessity of government and of urbanization. Both indicate collectivism instead of the individual and independent rule, in what should properly be a voluntary society. Regardless, a so-called ‘civil society’ today is what would be thought of as a mature, progressive, and non-barbarous state of ‘superiority.’ The ancient Greeks clarified this as far back as the fifth century BCE, and felt themselves above others who were not as worthy in their minds. As time passed, a citizen was not just a resident of a particular area, but in reality, became the property of the State, or more accurately, a lifetime indentured servant.

A common truth that should be recognized, is that in order to be a citizen in the modern world, one must be considered of secondary importance to the State or nation, and therefore a pawn or slave of that State or nation. After all, initially, ‘citizenship’ is decided simply by state of birth, or by parent’s state of birth. Each individual has no say in their original and usually lifetime citizenship, and this classification, as in herd animals, is a label decided by the ruling political class. This is not any indication of freedom, as should be quite obvious, but is a pronouncement of inferiority to rule, which negates from birth the individual in favor of the State. There is no need to get further into the particulars of this type of human ownership in this discussion, but sufficed to say, how can one be considered to be free when born a slave?

The subject here is the fate of what is considered Western Civilization, and why it is doomed to not only failure, but complete collapse as a political and ruling force. In fairness, all civilizations eventually fail, and in my opinion, this is mainly due to the false belief that a system of top-down rule, restrictive laws, and completely concentrated co-existence, is necessary for sustained survival. While the division of labor is extremely useful in many if not most aspects of modern life, total concentration of populations is not mandatory for civilization to survive and prosper. But it is the desired outcome by those who rule, (consider ‘smart cities’) because it allows for easier control over the masses of common people, who always far outnumber the ruling class, and are therefore considered a continuous threat to their power.

The ‘West’ has claimed to be the most superior, most benevolent, most enlightened, and most powerful group of nation-states for centuries, but it is coming apart at the seams so quickly that its influence and grip on the rest of the world could end in short order. But is that the designed plan, or is it due to outrageous arrogance, criminal excess at every level of existence, devastation of the monetary and economic systems, widespread brutal aggression, or all the above?

Western civilization is certainly on the brink of extinction, and the sought after replacement is that of a technocratic world governing system run by the very few. It seems the further man supposedly advances, the more backward is his pretend progress. Certainly, and positively in the U.S, intelligence levels and the ability to think critically have all but disappeared; this in a time when western society is ‘claimed’ to be the most ‘educated.’ In fact, the exact opposite is the case, as schooling in this country has caused mass ignorance and stupidity over generations, all by design. In order to control the people, the West decided long ago to purposely dumb down the common population, and indoctrinate them to such an extent, as to make impotent the idea of individual legitimate thought, and any ability to question authority. This tactic by the State was successful in its mission, but also successful in creating its own demise. This is quite the irony, but then that is the way of the madness of humanity.

Consider our current reality for a moment, and then consider the outcome of this political experiment. This nation, although never totally free, was one of wonder for a good portion of its history. 170 years ago, nearly 100% literacy was common, classical education was brilliant, and children were intelligent, driven, responsible, and grown up by the time they were in their mid-teens or before. Most all were entrepreneurs and understood moral principles, self-responsibility, and the importance of family. They based their lives on logic and reason, and due to these attitudes, were incredibly valuable to the building of independent, honest, virtuous, and vital societies. If one is to compare that to today’s population, an awakening should immediately occur.

Currently, this country is in the midst of a complete and total mental breakdown of the masses, in that they are not, generally speaking, responsible for themselves, and are dependent on an evil and heinous government. The intellectual capabilities of the general population have descended into the realm of effective illiteracy of the majority, regardless of age. Hate is the new norm accepted by the proletariat, sexual perversion is in full view of all, and promoted by the State. Theft, looting, property destruction, and violence at every turn, are openly ignored, while being sanctioned by government and its complicit mouthpieces in the rotten media. Constant war is tolerated, the murdering military is lauded as heroes, while truthtellers are shamed, threatened, and ostracized, and in some cases eliminated. ‘Reverse’ racism is rampant and applauded, while society has become married to victimization as a way of life. Self-esteem, confidence, responsible behavior, empathy, and the drive to succeed have disappeared from view. Total government control, destruction of wealth of all but the super-rich, blanket surveillance, lockdowns, ludicrous and immoral mandates, mass bio-weapon tyranny, tremendous property theft, and purposeful murder of innocents is routine, and mostly ignored. Entire towns and cities are being intentionally destroyed, thousands burned to death with microwave or directed energy weapons, or by other atrocious means, while those affected clamor for more government assistance, instead of eliminating the criminal and murderous State that is at the heart of all this barbarous madness.

The governing systems of Western societies have no intention, and never have, to free or protect the people, as the only goal sought by these evil ruling monsters, is power and control of all by brute force, lies, propaganda, and murder. Western civilization will be purposely relegated to the dustbin of history; the result being the swift and merciless destruction of life and all societal cohesion. Without mass dissent and non-compliance, bogus ‘climate change,’ currency destruction, digitization of all aspects of life, concentration of populations, famine, property theft, war, and transhumanism, will lead to even more perverse behavior, idiocy, and mass indifference of the majority.

This will signal the end of an era, and the beginning of a permanent hell on earth. This was caused by the masses of collective hordes ignoring their responsibility to themselves, in favor of the expectation of total dependence instead of individual excellence. No one can hide from reality forever, as it will eventually catch up and swallow you whole.

The State cannot rule successfully unless the people voluntarily allow it, and choose to surrender to obedience and a life of slavery. Only people who will accept and be convinced of truth, and have the courage to act on that truth, can be of use to freedom. All others, those who do not want to know the truth, those who continue to cling to the State’s false narratives, and who seek a master, should be absolutely avoided, as they will never help or improve themselves, and therefore will be of no value to those who seek real freedom.

“Violence is not necessary to destroy a civilization. Each civilization dies from indifference toward the unique values which created it.”

~ Nicolas Gomez Davila, 1913-1994, Columbian writer

Gary D. Barnett is a retired investment professional who has been writing about freedom, politics, history, economics, and philosophy for over two decades. He is against all war and aggression, and against the state. He lives and writes in Montana

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February 25, 2026
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We might have to call him rigatoni, so it can be Tony for sure! Lol

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Board Poll: Your Party Affiliation

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Questions for Bourbon with Barnes: Thursday, February 26, 2026

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The Barnes Brief: Friday, February 27, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

 

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The Barnes Brief: Weekend of February 20, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

A.  Art of the Week

  • When Picasso painted me before I was born, his portrait of famous patron saint of the arts, Ambroise Vollard. The painting struck my brother when he first saw it in person, as a biographical portrait of yours truly. The intensive, internal self-reflection expresses a true self-recognition. My favorite portrait to this day, even if only of me across the psychic plains of time and space.  

B.  Recommendation of the Week

C. Wisdom of the Week

  • “I am a tariff man, with a tariff plan, standing on a tariff platform.” President William McKinley. 

D.  Appearances

II. THE EVIDENCE

  • 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 of Interest

  1. 1776 Law Center Survey: War Vote Mirrors Midterms https://www.bigdatapoll.com/blog/democrats-expand-generic-ballot-lead-in-february/
  2. Iran War risk. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/war-on-iran-is-the-opposite-of-realism/
  3. Welfare state fraud. https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/the-democrats-fraud-problem
  4. Utility battles. https://prospect.org/2026/02/19/blackstone-private-equity-utility-acquisition-new-mexico-public-service-txnm-energy/
  5. Remembering Jessie Jackson. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/jesse-jackson-complicated-man/

*Bonus: Bald eagle rescued. https://abc7ny.com/post/nypd-officers-describe-rare-rescue-trapped-american-bald-eagle-icy-hudson-river-nyc/18616678/

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

  1. Bill Brown’s comedic relief. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7704528/title
  2. Jonathan’s prayer. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7704685/morning-daily-prayer-heavenly-father-i-thank-you-for-blessings-everyday-i-thank-you-for-my-beloved
  3. Meme magic. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7704745/title
  4. Bountiful art. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7704798/title
  5. Board thoughts on Iran war. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7700010/board-poll-war-in-iran

*Bonus: Bondi mockery. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7703469/spotted-all-over-washington-dc-while-i-normally-don-t-share-the-political-views-of-people-in-dc

**Bonus: Weekly Wisdom. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7704649/the-intersection-of-politics-youtube-commentary-and-critical-traffic-infrastructure-https-you

C. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

  1. SCOTUS: Tariffs. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf
  2. Facebook trial. https://courthousenews.com/safety-was-someone-elses-problem-ex-facebook-vp-says-in-teen-social-media-trial/
  3. Jury bias in Musk case. https://courthousenews.com/contempt-for-musk-clouds-jury-selection-in-twitter-takeover-trial/
  4. Amazon death. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/amazon-nitrite-washington-supreme-court-2.pdf
  5. Virginia redistricting stalls. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tazewell-injunction.pdf
  6. British ex-royal arrested. https://courthousenews.com/ex-prince-andrew-arrested-on-suspicion-of-sharing-sensitive-documents-with-epstein/
  7. Firetruck monopoly. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mke-v-fire-truck-manufacturers.pdf
  8. ICE churches. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/synod-v-dhs-ice-injunction.pdf
  9. Tina Peters denied bond. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/people-tina-peters-order-bond.pdf
  10. Slushie fraud. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/slush-puppie-forged-email-with-icee.pdf
  11. The HP merger case. https://business.cch.com/ald/USvHewlettPackardEnterpriseCo122025.pdf
  12. Tunney Act Trump DOJ risks. https://prospect.org/2025/07/29/2025-07-29-law-could-blow-open-trump-antitrust-corruption/

*Lobbyist disclosure laws. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/2/chapter-26

**Lobbying disclosure guidelines. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/resources/pdf/S1guidance.pdf

***Transanity in Canada. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7704549/tribunal-ruling-out-of-british-columbia-canada

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: Constitution Masterclass Series — Article I, Tariffs

  • Article I, section 7 enumerates the power “for raising revenue” to the legislative branch of Congress, commencing with the House and continuing onto the senate. 
  • Article I, section 8, clause 1 enumerates the power “to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises” to the legislative branch in Congress. 
  • Article I, section 8, clause 3 enumerates the power “to regulate commerce with foreign nations” to the legislative branch in Congress. 
  • Article I, section  8, clause 5 enumerates the power to “fix the standard of weights and measures” to the legislative branch in Congress. 
  • Article I, section 8, clause 10 enumerates the power to “define and punish” those “offenses against the law of nations” to the legislative branch in Congress. 
  • Article I, section 8, clause 11, enumerates the power to “declare war” as well as “grant letters of marque and reprisal” and “make rules concerning captures on land and water,” to the legislative branch in Congress. 
  • Article I, section 8, clause 18 enumerates the power to “make all laws” that “shall be necessary and proper” for effectuating those other enumerated powers itemized above in the tariff context. 
  • Article I, section 10, clause 2 prohibits states from imposing any imposts or duties on imports or exports except as necessary for inspections. 
  • In aggregate and in particular, the Constitution enumerates to the legislative branch the power to tariff. Hence, any claim of Presidential power to tariff must derive from delegated authorizations issued by Congress. This runs into the NonDelegation doctrine. 
  • Article I, Section I enumerates “all legislative powers” must be exclusively “vested in a Congress” not the executive or judicial branch of government. Thus, the act of a tariff imposition by the President must be both exclusively authorized by Congress and not be a “legislative act” within the meaning of Article I, Section 1. That construction depends largely on the Supreme Court’s construal of it over time, which is beyond the plain text of the Constitution.  
  • Short answer: had Trump stayed strictly within the tariff authorization delegations of Congress, and without looking like “making law” in the process, then his tariffs could win judicial assent. Trump’s failure to follow those guidelines — as advised to do by Commerce Secretary and Epstein Class graduate Howard Lutnick, whose sons profit billions from the court striking down the tariffs — buried his chance at tariff approval by the Supreme Court, unfortunately. 
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The Barnes Brief, Valentine's Weekend, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

A.  Art of the Week

  • All I want for Valentine's is Lady Justice. Archangel Michael delivering justice, as we need for those in the Epstein Class. 

B.  Recommendation of the Week

C.  Wisdom of the Week

  • “I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office.” Andrew Jackson. 

D.  Appearances

II. THE EVIDENCE

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: Ten of the Top Curated Weekly Articles

  1. The Epstein elite. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/unsettling-truths-epstein-files-reveal-about-power-and-privilege
  2. Corruption of the academy. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/mellon-foundation-humanities-research-funding/685733/
  3. Israel 1st wants to end Free Speech. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/02/13/is_free_speech_really_the_highest_value_153834.html
  4. Nobody likes Newsom. https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/gavin-newsom-youre-no-bill-clinton
  5. Hawley-Warren bill seeks to end monopoly in medicine. https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/senators-seek-to-smash-big-medicine
  6. Polymarket grocery stores. https://unherd.com/newsroom/inside-polymarkets-free-public-grocery-store/
  7. Security State. https://greenwald.substack.com/p/amazons-ring-and-googles-nest-unwittingly
  8. Housing market woes. https://substack.com/home/post/p-187448844
  9. Leverage risks. https://quoththeraven.substack.com/p/countdown-to-detonation-americas
  10. Epstein network. https://epstein-doc-explorer-1.onrender.com

B. Homework: Cases of the Week for Sunday

  1. Texas AG joins Dr. Bowden. https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Bowden%20Intervention%20(Filed)_0.pdf
  2. Alex Jones sues. https://www.scribd.com/document/997131709/Alex-Jones-Amended-Counterclaim-for-Filing-In-The-United-States-Bankruptcy-Court-For-The-Southern-District-Of-Texas
  3. Gail Slater removed. https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/trump-antitrust-chief-ousted-by-ticketmaster
  4. I will sue Mike Davis. https://x.com/barnes_law/status/2022467828255768629?s=20
  5. Wisconsin election integrity takes a loss. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wisconsin-ballot-spoiling-ban-reversed.pdf
  6. Texas election integrity gets a win. https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/24/24-50783-CV0.pdf
  7. Two big 2A cases in 3rd. https://courthousenews.com/two-third-circuit-hearings-could-reshape-nations-second-amendment-rights/
  8. Another TPS order blocked. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/african-communities-v-noem-mass-ruling.pdf
  9. Epstein BOA suit goes forward. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/doe-v-bank-of-america-new-york-ruling.pdf
  10. Dollar Tree death. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/max-antonio-garay-v-dollar-tree.pdf
  11. Boasberg latest insanity. https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2025cv0766-247
  12. Trump immigration win. https://www.phelps.com/a/web/r5pKxiJkFZ7QKozjTbS8V2/ca5detention.pdf

*Bonus: Livenation Ticketmaster Antitrust https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-industry-news/live-nation-doj-lawsuit-after-gail-slater-resignation-1236504011/

**Bonus: NCAAF eligibility suit. https://www.knoxnews.com/picture-gallery/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2026/02/13/joey-aguilar-eligibility-hearing-tennessee-vs-ncaa/88659399007/

***Bonus: AI plagiarism win. https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/adelphi-university-ai-plagiarism-lawsuit-oh07enyz

C. Best of the Board: Ten of the Top Posts

  1. Too much truth. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7688284/best-explanation-of-our-two-party-system-benowen
  2. Life on the line. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7687846/god-bless-and-protect-thomas-massie
  3. Prayer & a cute dog. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7688117/daily-prayer-2-0-heavenly-father-give-us-comfort-and-wisdom-allow-us-to-trust-your-judgement-and-y
  4. Surf. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7688060/pipeline-hawaii
  5. Real diversity. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7688513/title
  6. Hush Hush ideas. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7688104/robertbarnes-just-saw-a-news-article-talking-about-the-great-chicago-fire-being-started-by-communis
  7. Wisdom. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7687331/title
  8. Bill Brown Proverbs. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7686413/title
  9. Truth. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7684892/title
  10. My answer is Yes. https://vivabarneslaw.locals.com/post/7687202/does-god-answer-your-prayers-i-ask-because-i-pray-everyday-whether-typed-down-here-or-mentally-reci

III. CLOSING ARGUMENT: Constitution Masterclass Series — Article I, Elections

  • Article I, section 4 empowered the legislative branch of the federal government — the Congress — “may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations” otherwise set by the legislatures of the state governing the “elections for Senators and Representatives” except to the Places of chusing Senators, later modified by the Seventeenth Amendment. Each House can further be the “Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members” including the power to expel “with the Concurrence of two thirds.” The Constitution affords no express power to Congress to elect the President or elect those to state or local office. And remember, Article I powers are constricted to those “herein granted” explicitly within the Constitution. 
  • Representatives must be “apportioned” amongst the States “according to their respective Numbers”, a determination made by “adding to the whole Number of free Persons” certain individuals no longer referenced after the Fourteenth Amendment. The “actual enumeration” of this apportionment “shall be made…within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.” The original intention was that there were at least one representative for “every thirty Thousand”.
  • The Fourteenth Amendment modified these provisions by stating representatives be apportioned “to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed.” Of note, the provision also stripped representation of any state which limited Presidential electors beyond the limits of gender, age, citizenship, crime, or rebellion. 
  • The Fifteenth Amendment modified these provisions further by providing a “right of citizens of the United States to vote” and that such a right could not be denied on basis of race. 
  • The Seventeenth Amendment modified these provisions further by providing that the “people thereof” elect the Senators instead of the legislative branches of those state governments. 
  • The Nineteenth Amendment modified the provisions even further by expanding the Fifteenth Amendment’s right of citizens to vote to women. 
  • The TwentyFourth Amendment modified these provisions even further by holding the right of the citizens to vote in federal elections could not be limited based on taxes, including poll taxes. 
  • The Twenty-Sixth Amendment expanded these voting rights to include those 18 years of age or older that are citizens. 
  • Each of these Amendments repeated: “the right citizens of the United States to vote” as the entire premise of these Amendments to the Constitution for governing elections. Yet, somehow, the courts held in 2020 no such right existed to even afford standing to request judicial relief from stolen elections for the highest office in the land, and even when brought between states for the only nationally elected office? 
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