Back in the day—eighteen years ago—when I was still working, the policy of the DoJ with regard to FARA registration was not to prosecute as a first resort.
Again, as far as I'm aware there are no electronic communications that are per se illegal, and secure/encrypted communication isn't illegal either. Any illegality under FARA would have to do with the substance of the communications, not the format. They should have had to present probable cause that Ritter violated FARA, which is a substance issue. I'm not sure how the jump to searching for equipment would work if they *already had that probable cause.* I can understand the investigative reasoning, but getting from there to a search warrant for equipment seems--based on little knowledge--like it could be a stretch. I'd very much like to see the affidavit for the warrant. The most likely reasoning would be to acquire stored messages on some device, but that still presumes a probable cause showing of a FARA violation, and that's what interests me and causes a certain amount of skepticism. It seems like they could have done a bit of a snow job on the judge who issued the warrant.
First and biggest. It's so blatantly obvious that FARA, and many federal laws and regulations, are a cudgel for the leftist bullies who control the federal government.
Second, I realize how indoctrinated we've been since childhood. I no longer will say the Pledge of Allegiance. This is a big change for me and I'm sad, because I no no longer believe in this nation, as presently constituted. Maybe someday we'll regain our righteousness, fidelity to the Constitution and sense of purpose, but right now, I'm pretty discouraged.
Third, patriotism, demands that a man point out the blind spots and flaws in our country. No more gaslighting.
I think I understand how you feel. Some years ago I read an interesting book by Samuel Huntington entitled "Who are We?" It delved into many of the issues we are now experiencing such as dual citizenship and lobbying efforts of these same dual citizens on behalf of their country of origin or their ethnicity. He referred to these people as ampersands. Huntington feared this dual citizenship would have a negative effect on our country and our unity. He also spoke of the American Creed something I really had not heard of before. To wit:
"I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."
— William Tyler Page, The American's Creed
After the Immigration act of 1965 this view of the USA began to fade into irrelevancy. The rise of the ampersand and the dual loyalty/dual citizenship took on new meaning and created the situation we find ourselves in today. The sense of purpose has been lost and recent arrivals want our life style and opportunities but they certainly are reluctant to embrace the Creed. This is why you get a stadium filled with Mexican Flags at a soccer match when Mexico plays the USA especially in California. This is why you get an AIPAC and a country like Israel gloating they run this country. Yes, I am equally discourage. I am from a family of immigrants and we are Americans and you will not find us waving the flag of Norway or Australia, but the stars and stripes. It appears we are a dying breed. I am sad as well..
 Norway threatens Israel after a diplomatic scandal
Norwegian Foreign Ministry:
"We received a message today from the Netanyahu government that it will no longer facilitate the work of Norwegian diplomats in the Palestinian territories.
This is an extremist act that fundamentally affects our ability to help the Palestinians.
Israeli decision to revoke diplomatic status of members of our embassy is an extreme act and will have consequences.
We are studying the measures that Norway will take to respond to the situation created by the Netanyahu government."
The Duran's Alex Christoforou's Aug. 8 video addressed this intimidation of Tulsi. No less than 7 officials fly on every flight she takes. This includes two canine explosives agents. So add 2 dogs to the squad of 7 people. Explosives?!
Hopefully this bullying of free spirits will have the same rebound effect that it did in the Soviet Union with their dissidents. It shows how desperate these people are.
Yes, I wrote about this the other day. This kind of thing, as well as the abuse of FARA, should be a caution to people like Mearsheimer to be careful about claiming the actions of any particular group or person are or are not "perfectly legal" depending on whether the regime does or doesn't prosecute them. An absurd notion in this day of politicized "justice".
I thought the UK and US were pretty far gone, but it seems that Israel is even further down the road. The poll of "ordinary" Israelis showed an almost 50-50 split for and against. What a world!
I started writing this morning before checking any news--and I'll be heading out soon. However, LJ has an article in which he references the post last night, adding a point that commenters have raised and that I probably should have included:
"Mark Wauck correctly notes the double standard with respect to the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which is acting as an agent for Israel. Note also that Hunter Biden, who was pulling down thousands of dollars from foreign governments, was getting paid to influence policy when his father, the Big Guy, was serving as Vice President. Don’t recall the FBI raiding his homes to recover documents. Just one more reminder that the scales of justice in the United States are weighted in favor of the politically connected."
Thanks, Mark. L.J. at Sonar21.com is a place to check each day for new posts and videos. L.J. is a straight truth-teller, just like Mark W. here, Scott R., and Alex C. at The Duran.
Thanks for updating with LJ's post as I was about to write "what about Hunter Biden" and his seemingly much more obvious and lucrative dealings with foreign nationals. So much so, his VP father threatened the withholding of money unless the Ukrainian prosecutor looking into Burisma was fired. Where have those vigilant FBI watchdogs been with so much in-your-face corruption from the Biden crime family?
Gonzalo, Ritter…..it doesn’t pay to criticise the fuhrer.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Mark was on an ‘extremist’ watch list.
According to Ritter the warrant specified electronic communication equipment.
Again, as far as I'm aware there are no electronic communications that are per se illegal, and secure/encrypted communication isn't illegal either. Any illegality under FARA would have to do with the substance of the communications, not the format. They should have had to present probable cause that Ritter violated FARA, which is a substance issue. I'm not sure how the jump to searching for equipment would work if they *already had that probable cause.* I can understand the investigative reasoning, but getting from there to a search warrant for equipment seems--based on little knowledge--like it could be a stretch. I'd very much like to see the affidavit for the warrant. The most likely reasoning would be to acquire stored messages on some device, but that still presumes a probable cause showing of a FARA violation, and that's what interests me and causes a certain amount of skepticism. It seems like they could have done a bit of a snow job on the judge who issued the warrant.
First rule of Lawfare: The process IS the punishment.
A couple of observations.
First and biggest. It's so blatantly obvious that FARA, and many federal laws and regulations, are a cudgel for the leftist bullies who control the federal government.
Second, I realize how indoctrinated we've been since childhood. I no longer will say the Pledge of Allegiance. This is a big change for me and I'm sad, because I no no longer believe in this nation, as presently constituted. Maybe someday we'll regain our righteousness, fidelity to the Constitution and sense of purpose, but right now, I'm pretty discouraged.
Third, patriotism, demands that a man point out the blind spots and flaws in our country. No more gaslighting.
IJM,
I think I understand how you feel. Some years ago I read an interesting book by Samuel Huntington entitled "Who are We?" It delved into many of the issues we are now experiencing such as dual citizenship and lobbying efforts of these same dual citizens on behalf of their country of origin or their ethnicity. He referred to these people as ampersands. Huntington feared this dual citizenship would have a negative effect on our country and our unity. He also spoke of the American Creed something I really had not heard of before. To wit:
"I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."
— William Tyler Page, The American's Creed
After the Immigration act of 1965 this view of the USA began to fade into irrelevancy. The rise of the ampersand and the dual loyalty/dual citizenship took on new meaning and created the situation we find ourselves in today. The sense of purpose has been lost and recent arrivals want our life style and opportunities but they certainly are reluctant to embrace the Creed. This is why you get a stadium filled with Mexican Flags at a soccer match when Mexico plays the USA especially in California. This is why you get an AIPAC and a country like Israel gloating they run this country. Yes, I am equally discourage. I am from a family of immigrants and we are Americans and you will not find us waving the flag of Norway or Australia, but the stars and stripes. It appears we are a dying breed. I am sad as well..
It's clearly a warning shot to anyone who criticises They Who Cannot Be Criticised. I hope Scott comes out of it okay.
AKA: our oppressors.
In what jurisdiction is Ritter being investigated- D.C.?
I don't know. I'd like to know what court issued this warrant, whether it was a normal District Court.
The jurisdiction is the kangaroo court.
Megatron@Megatron_ron
BREAKING:
 Norway threatens Israel after a diplomatic scandal
Norwegian Foreign Ministry:
"We received a message today from the Netanyahu government that it will no longer facilitate the work of Norwegian diplomats in the Palestinian territories.
This is an extremist act that fundamentally affects our ability to help the Palestinians.
Israeli decision to revoke diplomatic status of members of our embassy is an extreme act and will have consequences.
We are studying the measures that Norway will take to respond to the situation created by the Netanyahu government."
The process is the punishment.
And more evidence of politicization:
Tulsi Gabbard reportedly under surveillance by air marshals
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13718487/Trump-reveals-Tim-Walz-shocking-pick-hints-worse-socialist-senator.html
The Duran's Alex Christoforou's Aug. 8 video addressed this intimidation of Tulsi. No less than 7 officials fly on every flight she takes. This includes two canine explosives agents. So add 2 dogs to the squad of 7 people. Explosives?!
Here is much more about the surveillance of Tulsi:
"We’re not even looking for the bad guys anymore."
"TSA is out of control against the American people.”
.......Sonya LaBosco, the Executive Director of the Air Marshal National Council (AMNC), an advocacy association for Federal Air Marshals
https://www.racket.news/p/american-stasi-tulsi-gabbard-confirms
Hopefully this bullying of free spirits will have the same rebound effect that it did in the Soviet Union with their dissidents. It shows how desperate these people are.
Yes, I wrote about this the other day. This kind of thing, as well as the abuse of FARA, should be a caution to people like Mearsheimer to be careful about claiming the actions of any particular group or person are or are not "perfectly legal" depending on whether the regime does or doesn't prosecute them. An absurd notion in this day of politicized "justice".
Interesting video from Israeli Channel 12:
https://x.com/Megatron_ron/status/1821507897202803143
After the video of Israeli soldiers raping Palestinians came out, the Israelis publicly justified their rape on television.
I thought the UK and US were pretty far gone, but it seems that Israel is even further down the road. The poll of "ordinary" Israelis showed an almost 50-50 split for and against. What a world!
I started writing this morning before checking any news--and I'll be heading out soon. However, LJ has an article in which he references the post last night, adding a point that commenters have raised and that I probably should have included:
"Mark Wauck correctly notes the double standard with respect to the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which is acting as an agent for Israel. Note also that Hunter Biden, who was pulling down thousands of dollars from foreign governments, was getting paid to influence policy when his father, the Big Guy, was serving as Vice President. Don’t recall the FBI raiding his homes to recover documents. Just one more reminder that the scales of justice in the United States are weighted in favor of the politically connected."
https://sonar21.com/the-united-states-israel-and-ukraine-are-shooting-themselves-in-the-foot/
LJ goes on to discuss the likely negative blowback from the latest Ukrainian "invasion" of Russia.
Thanks, Mark. L.J. at Sonar21.com is a place to check each day for new posts and videos. L.J. is a straight truth-teller, just like Mark W. here, Scott R., and Alex C. at The Duran.
Thanks for updating with LJ's post as I was about to write "what about Hunter Biden" and his seemingly much more obvious and lucrative dealings with foreign nationals. So much so, his VP father threatened the withholding of money unless the Ukrainian prosecutor looking into Burisma was fired. Where have those vigilant FBI watchdogs been with so much in-your-face corruption from the Biden crime family?