Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Brent Briggs's avatar

BORDER: When I was 16, in rural Texas, I joined a volunteer fire department. One evening, I got a call to get to the firehouse. We drove our equipment out to a raging wildfire and began attacking the flames. We had tanker trucks with firehoses on the front, where a fireman would sit in a seat on the front directing water to flaming brush as the truck moved through the fires. I was on the "tip." The driver received instructions via radio as we circled and contained the fast moving fire.

My eyes were blinded by smoke and tears and I choked on the noxious fumes. We only got a few minutes' relief when we returned to the creek to refill the tank - then, back into the flames. This went on for about 6 hours. Several guys were overcome by the smoke and were evacuated...leaving more of the work for the rest of us.

Next day, I learned that the fire had been set by a rancher intent on clearing some of his land of unwanted brush and weeds. He did so, knowing the fire department would keep the flames contained and under control....as his land received the benefits!!! I asked if the guy was going to be arrested, or fined, or something.

The answer was; "That's just how we do things around here."

I put my ass on the front of that truck for an entire night and fought flames. I had a cough that did not go away for about 3 months from inhaling the smoke. The clothes and shoes I wore that night were so singed, they had to be thrown out. And, I was a volunteer - no compensation, nothing.

The absurdity at the US border reminds me of this event. There are guys setting fires on one side, guys putting them out on the other side, and the human toll is extreme. It's Kabuki theater.

This land was not made into a free country by elections. Freedom was secured by killing tyrants. Nothing else works.

Expand full comment
Karen Bracken's avatar

Hudson E. Baldwin III has been banned and all of his disgusting comments removed. I will not tolerate crude disgusting language on my Substack from anyone.

Expand full comment
4 more comments...

No posts