GOV/MIL Eclipse, Texas, and ceding private property rights

helen

Panic Sex Lady
Texas Counties Declare State of Disaster Ahead of Solar Eclipse
thenewamerican.com


Texas Counties Declare State of Disaster Ahead of Solar Eclipse
Pitris/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Article audio sponsored by The John Birch Society


Two counties in Central Texas, Bell County and Kerr County, have posted on their official websites local disaster declarations for the solar eclipse that will occur on April 8. Other counties are also considering disaster declarations.
The stated reason for the disaster declarations is the expectation of large crowds of people coming to witness the rare astronomical event, and the possible consequences of such large crowds. The anticipated consequences include traffic jams, the possibility of empty shelves at grocery stores, gas stations possibly running out of gasoline, possible shortages of fresh water coupled with the possible overload at the government-regulated waste water treatment facilities, and the possibility of overloading the cellular telephone system.

Bell County’s disaster declaration says it will go into effect on Thursday, April 4 and last through Monday, April 8. However, the Private Property Eclipse Gathering Form, an online form that is required to be completed by the people affected by the directive, includes an additional day, April 9.

In addition to that, the mandatory compliance directives, because they demand documentation from private-property owners ahead of the event, will require compliance well before the April 4 start date listed on the online form. Among the compliance directives for property owners with the possibility of groups of 50 or more are:
  • Prove adequate bathroom sites
  • Prove adequate waste disposal systems
  • Prove adequate waste water solutions to those with RV/Travel trailer black tanks
  • Prove adequate bathroom facilities to primitive/tent campers
Equally troubling is the following statement in the local emergency declaration:

That this declaration authorizes Bell County to take any actions necessary to promote life safety and critical infrastructure protection, including but not limited to, requiring private property landowners in the unincorporated areas of Bell County, Texas to register with Bell County if that landowner plans to host watch parties, dry camping or any other large event that exceeds a population of 50 or more people.

Kerr County’s disaster declaration is similar to that of Bell County’s in that its declaration also says, “This declaration authorizes Kerr County to take any actions necessary to promote life safety and critical infrastructure protection.” But it goes beyond this. Instead of applying only to the unincorporated areas, the disaster declaration in Kerr County applies to the whole county.

The phrase “take any actions necessary” has not raised many eyebrows, but it should have. This is an example of how people in government can use fear to justify controlling law-abiding citizens. Hopefully, the emergency responders will not abuse power and allow the emotions of the moment to supersede their oaths to obey the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.

Something else that should be raising eyebrows is the focus of the reporting requirements on private property owners. What is this doing to private property rights?

Are the American people being groomed in a manner similar to that of the people of Germany in the early 1930s? That was a period in Germany’s history, just prior to the Nazi takeover in 1933, that saw the population frequently governed by emergency decrees. Of course, the emergency decrees were justified as being in the best interest of the German people. As noted in the article Third Reich Redux in the June 22, 2020 issue of The New American:
Then a subtle seed of dictatorship was sown in Germany on March 30, 1930 when Heinrich Brüning was named Chancellor, a position he held for a little over two years. Chancellor Brüning’s time in office was a constitutional disaster for Germany. Brüning took advantage of Article 48 of the German constitution which granted temporary emergency powers, of course to be used only if public safety was seriously threatened.
Brüning issued no fewer than five emergency decrees in 1930 and at least 40 such decrees in 1931. The next two chancellors, Franz von Papen and Kurt von Schleicher, also abused the emergency decree power. The abuse of such power by the next German chancellor, Adolf Hitler, needs no explanation.

The emergency declarations being implemented based merely on fear of what might happen also show how futile are some of the justifications for an Article V Convention. For example, one avenue of that pursuit is to call a con-con for a Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA). But some of the proposals for a BBA include escape clauses to nullify the need to balance the budget in times of emergency. If such an amendment could be so easily nullified, it would hardly function as the law of the land.

If politicians are so eager to use emergency authorizations to handle the possibility of any large group of people, the vast majority of whom are law-abiding citizens, why aren’t they making similar emergency declarations authorizing law-enforcement personnel to “take any actions necessary” to deal with a known influx of people nearby at the border who are violating U.S. laws by entering this country illegally?

Safeguarding the constitutional rights of the people should always be a major concern. In the words of Daniel Webster,

Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.
Another way of saying this is to beware of politicians who respond to crises by rushing to protect the people by infringing on their rights. Be especially wary of politicians who believe in the axiom, “Don’t ever let a crisis go to waste.”

Texas Counties Declare State of Disaster Ahead of Solar Eclipse
 

bracketquant

Veteran Member
Kerr county is a pimple on the butt of Texas, with 53,000 people scattered over more than 1,000 square miles. Outsiders will drive in, watch the eclipse for 5 minutes, and drive back home.

Some might tailgate for a couple of hours, on the shoulder of some road. Where I live, any good-sized event is an excuse for people to have a drink, or three.
 

SSTemplar

Veteran Member
Does not seem unreasonable to me. I live in a Texas town that will be about dead center of the event. We already have over a million people living in the county so another 1/2 million is ok just as long as it’s not a boat load of Yankees.
 

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
While Kerr county may not be a big deal I think it will be in Bell Co. TX. Temple, I 35, Belton, Killeen/Ft Hood and the spur that goes out that way west, could be a real nightmare.

What am I saying it already is, without any help from the solar system.

If you want to get to some of the hotels across from Baylor, Scott and White hospital in Temple.......you can't get there from here. And to eat at Rosie's/Rosa's which you can see from the hotel, you need a passport just to get there.

And this is normal. With no event.
 

kyrsyan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Actually, a lot of this is because of things that happened in places during the last full eclipse. At the same time, there is a lot of overreach in the decrees. It will be telling as to who abuses the overreach and who doesn't. People should pay attention at the local level.

The getting gas and having extra food recommendations is a direct result of the last time. Businesses tried to plan ahead and have stock on hand but it's kind of like facing locusts. You never know if you have enough or can get a resupply in time. And in this economy, many businesses may not be able to pre-order extra stock.

With human and vehicle flooded roads and the stupidity that some people display, deliveries will likely end up delayed. And if local businesses are supporting other local businesses, that supply chain may end up drained.

And that doesn't even bring into the play the idgit drivers causing accidents.

As far as gathering requirements, I can understand those as well. A lot of private landowners tried to scoot around the rules "because it's only a few days". And that caused health and sanitary issues.

The towns don't really want to make permanent laws for once every few decade events, so they are using one time emergency decrees. I can see both sides of that. A permanent law may make things difficult for local events. A temporary emergency decree doesn't.

If this was heading my direction, I would be planning to be at home for the whole event. I would also sit down with a new area map and plan every back route possible to reach the emergency services, if needed. Although I would try to avoid them. I'd also be preparing for the idgits who would think it was okay to :borrow space" on private property "because it's a once in a lifetime event". You know, those people who thing it's okay to cop a squat on your lawn or driveway for a bit. And that you shouldn't object.
 

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Actually, a lot of this is because of things that happened in places during the last full eclipse. At the same time, there is a lot of overreach in the decrees. It will be telling as to who abuses the overreach and who doesn't. People should pay attention at the local level.

The getting gas and having extra food recommendations is a direct result of the last time. Businesses tried to plan ahead and have stock on hand but it's kind of like facing locusts. You never know if you have enough or can get a resupply in time. And in this economy, many businesses may not be able to pre-order extra stock.

With human and vehicle flooded roads and the stupidity that some people display, deliveries will likely end up delayed. And if local businesses are supporting other local businesses, that supply chain may end up drained.

And that doesn't even bring into the play the idgit drivers causing accidents.

As far as gathering requirements, I can understand those as well. A lot of private landowners tried to scoot around the rules "because it's only a few days". And that caused health and sanitary issues.

The towns don't really want to make permanent laws for once every few decade events, so they are using one time emergency decrees. I can see both sides of that. A permanent law may make things difficult for local events. A temporary emergency decree doesn't.

If this was heading my direction, I would be planning to be at home for the whole event. I would also sit down with a new area map and plan every back route possible to reach the emergency services, if needed. Although I would try to avoid them. I'd also be preparing for the idgits who would think it was okay to :borrow space" on private property "because it's a once in a lifetime event". You know, those people who thing it's okay to cop a squat on your lawn or driveway for a bit. And that you shouldn't object.
Great post.
Thank you
 

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Actually, a lot of this is because of things that happened in places during the last full eclipse. At the same time, there is a lot of overreach in the decrees. It will be telling as to who abuses the overreach and who doesn't. People should pay attention at the local level.

The getting gas and having extra food recommendations is a direct result of the last time. Businesses tried to plan ahead and have stock on hand but it's kind of like facing locusts. You never know if you have enough or can get a resupply in time. And in this economy, many businesses may not be able to pre-order extra stock.

With human and vehicle flooded roads and the stupidity that some people display, deliveries will likely end up delayed. And if local businesses are supporting other local businesses, that supply chain may end up drained.

And that doesn't even bring into the play the idgit drivers causing accidents.

As far as gathering requirements, I can understand those as well. A lot of private landowners tried to scoot around the rules "because it's only a few days". And that caused health and sanitary issues.

The towns don't really want to make permanent laws for once every few decade events, so they are using one time emergency decrees. I can see both sides of that. A permanent law may make things difficult for local events. A temporary emergency decree doesn't.

If this was heading my direction, I would be planning to be at home for the whole event. I would also sit down with a new area map and plan every back route possible to reach the emergency services, if needed. Although I would try to avoid them. I'd also be preparing for the idgits who would think it was okay to :borrow space" on private property "because it's a once in a lifetime event". You know, those people who thing it's okay to cop a squat on your lawn or driveway for a bit. And that you shouldn't object.
Yep you did good.

I'm not anywhere near a city of any kind, so wouldn't be a problem to start with but.....

knowing there will be idiots, and "scientists" out for the moment. I would be sitting out in my fenced yard with a shotgun across my lap with a sign that said something on the order of "Trespassers will be shot".
 

kyrsyan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yep you did good.

I'm not anywhere near a city of any kind, so wouldn't be a problem to start with but.....

knowing there will be idiots, and "scientists" out for the moment. I would be sitting out in my fenced yard with a shotgun across my lap with a sign that said something on the order of "Trespassers will be shot".
I don't have fence yet. But I'd invest in farm steel fence posts and set them all the way around the yard at 3' intervals. I have temporary fence that I use for other things that could temporarily be repurchased. I have seen too much of the nonsense with big local events. I don't have patience for it.

Oh, and another thought - would you really want to be in the middle of the insanity of 1000s of people coming from God only knows where and bringing God only knows what illnesses and disease? And this is truly a concern for the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.
 

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I don't have fence yet. But I'd invest in farm steel fence posts and set them all the way around the yard at 3' intervals. I have temporary fence that I use for other things that could temporarily be repurchased. I have seen too much of the nonsense with big local events. I don't have patience for it.

Oh, and another thought - would you really want to be in the middle of the insanity of 1000s of people coming from God only knows where and bringing God only knows what illnesses and disease? And this is truly a concern for the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.
Like I said we do have a fence, but really that is only for those who are law abiding. Others can come over, drive through etc. and is the reason for the shotgun. The dog is for when you ain't paying attention, he is.

Driving steel posts every 3' is going to be a lot of work. Man that will be rough. May I suggest 8' with a double strand of barbed wire. Cuz mostly all you can do is slow them down. And that is really the purpose of non-law abiding perps who come over, step through a fence, and the additional fencing. Slow them down so they don't rush you, your house, and can get off a shot.

Just saying cuz nobody wants that to happen, especially over an eclipse. But there is stupid out there. Somewhere.
 

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yeah. I don't buy this rationale for the nuttiness surrounding this eclipse event.
Same here sort of.

I35 between Temple and Waco. Is total nightmare. I have never seen anything like. Now multiply that with eclipse tourist. It would be worth missing. Last time we were through there, took about an hour to go that distance, and it was an 8 lane interstate. They were working on it, and from what I understand they are always working on it, and it went down to a two lane for some 3 miles.

Have plenty of gas in your car before you hit that stretch.
 

marsh

On TB every waking moment
The commercial $ use of the property triggers regulation to protect public health & safety. The limit of 50 people for a "private" party seems reasonable. Most would provide porta pottys & parking for that sized group in say, a wedding, anyway.
 

toxic avenger

Senior Member
The commercial $ use of the property triggers regulation to protect public health & safety. The limit of 50 people for a "private" party seems reasonable. Most would provide porta pottys & parking for that sized group in say, a wedding, anyway.
Yep. In most places, 50 people is the cutoff for zoning and building codes to take effect.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Have plenty of gas in your car before you hit that stretch.
That's a true statement to start with, always have plenty of gas no matter what you are doing.

I'm glad DH and I are boring and have no desire to go galivanting around. One of my ex's liked to and when I was young it was somewhat fun, but now I don't like to get very far from home.

And I don't see what the big deal is about the eclipse is anyway, but there I go again being boring.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
That's a true statement to start with, always have plenty of gas no matter what you are doing.

I'm glad DH and I are boring and have no desire to go galivanting around. One of my ex's liked to and when I was young it was somewhat fun, but now I don't like to get very far from home.

And I don't see what the big deal is about the eclipse is anyway, but there I go again being boring.

Then you are in good company. We are boring, too. Never get too far from home. There's nothing in me that causes me to desire to go see this eclipse. I'll stay put and watch all the hoopla on tv if something major happens like doom and gloom that some have spoken about that's supposed to happen during the eclipse.
 

kyrsyan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Like I said we do have a fence, but really that is only for those who are law abiding. Others can come over, drive through etc. and is the reason for the shotgun. The dog is for when you ain't paying attention, he is.

Driving steel posts every 3' is going to be a lot of work. Man that will be rough. May I suggest 8' with a double strand of barbed wire. Cuz mostly all you can do is slow them down. And that is really the purpose of non-law abiding perps who come over, step through a fence, and the additional fencing. Slow them down so they don't rush you, your house, and can get off a shot.

Just saying cuz nobody wants that to happen, especially over an eclipse. But there is stupid out there. Somewhere.
Actually driving them is easy. I have a post driver. Pulling them afterwards... that's the hard part. I have a puller but parts of my yard are heavy clay and gravel. And it's mainly for the normally, mostly law abiding folks who seem to use special events as a reason to break the laws.

The main reason for the posts, and the spacing, is the damage it will render when some drunk idgit forgets where the road is. At that spacing, it can also, typically, slow the vehicle enough to keep it from hitting the property structures. Learned that by accident many years back.

It will also keep the sober, saner fools from pulling completely into my yard. If they want to risk roadside and add to the buffer, they are more than welcome to do so. The local tow companies will enjoy the business when the cops get tired of it, which will be about 15 minutes into it.

There's a whole 'nother level of hardening for the truly illegal idgits. And a much less friendly greeting for them. And thanks to daylate, one of the weaknesses in that layer is getting fixed.

But, and I may be wrong, I would only expect standard, human, lack of common sense for events like this combined with life being life.

I did actually debate grabbing som and getting a hotel room for this. But then quickly decided that it wasn't worth the insanity and/or expense. We have better things to do.
 

bracketquant

Veteran Member
I hear that the path of totality is about 115 miles wide. That appears to give enough room for cars to spread out along the sides of roads and not cause much of any problems.
 

Bubble Head

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The eclipse will be all over the internet with far better pictures then you will be able to view with your lenses on. Why bother with all the crowds or traffic problems? Doesn’t seem worth it to me.
 

jward

passin' thru
Texas Counties Declare State of Disaster Ahead of Solar Eclipse
thenewamerican.com
This should be the title of your thread, and any editorializing should be in the body of the post, clearly seperated, or at least in parenthesis in the title- as unfortunately the search feature still stinks here and articles are not found unless the exact title is used.

I think the policy is to prevent duping, as that is a real problem, especially for these subjects that have so many overlapping threads on them. Or maybe there is another reason, I dunno.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I'll be at work. I'm not a part of any potential problems.

Yes, I expect there will be some gov't overreach because people have gotten really, really stupid these days. Yes, it's horrible. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it, except not to participate in the first place.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
This should be the title of your thread, and any editorializing should be in the body of the post, clearly seperated, or at least in parenthesis in the title- as unfortunately the search feature still stinks here and articles are not found unless the exact title is used.

I think the policy is to prevent duping, as that is a real problem, especially for these subjects that have so many overlapping threads on them. Or maybe there is another reason, I dunno.
There is nothing wrong with the way Helen did her post, she's been around since the beginning and knows what to do.
 

jward

passin' thru
Sorry if I wasn't clear enough in my posting, I wasn't pulling preferences outta my nether regions-:

We may personally feel this way, but you’ll need to have that argument with the site owner- that was the source of the message relayed to me, along with one o’ them purty lil demerits that gets ya locked up in time out, re: the issue :eek:

… as you know, some people have a really hard time being sent to time out, which is why I passed the info I was given along.
There is nothing wrong with the way Helen did her post, she's been around since the beginning and knows what to do.
 

SusieSunshine

Veteran Member
The county I live in is expecting 700,000 tourists. It currently has approx 350,000 residents. We are forecast 99.97 totality.
.
If they come, we will have a parking lot. Rumor has it that the hotels are already booked.

One school district has already closed for the day. Daughters place of employment (county hospital) has encouraged employees to stock up on food, gas etc.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
The county I live in is expecting 700,000 tourists. It currently has approx 350,000 residents. We are forecast 99.97 totality.
.
If they come, we will have a parking lot. Rumor has it that the hotels are already booked.

One school district has already closed for the day. Daughters place of employment (county hospital) has encouraged employees to stock up on food, gas etc.

In that case, I might be tempted to lock up my house, pack up the cat and my valuables, and take a little trip outside of the zone. That's a lot of people to have to deal with!
 

TBonz

Veteran Member
The eclipse will be all over the internet with far better pictures then you will be able to view with your lenses on. Why bother with all the crowds or traffic problems? Doesn’t seem worth it to me.

I don't get the anxiety over this. There was zippo over the last one. We had a 3 hour ride for that one, but we left real early so no issue. Coming home was a pain in the rump, even back-roading it, it took double the normal time (6 hours) to get home.

This one will be 99% here, but we want to see the full eclipse with the ring, so if the weather is good, it's an easy hour up towards Erie. I assume it'll be a 3 hour ride home, but who cares? I'm retired. We'll gas up both before and when we get there, and I'll have alternate back-road routes *just in case*.

Seeing it is easy, just find a place with a parking lot and a clear view.

Not going to let the boogeyman of fear deter me. If doom comes, it'll find me no matter where I'm at. I want to enjoy one of the rarities of our lives - a full solar eclipse. It is so neat to see it. Seeing it on TV is like seeing fireworks on TV - nice, but not the same as in person.
 

desertvet2

Veteran Member
Sitting on the porch with a shotgun on my lap with a sign that says..."Tresspassers will be
shot...er...shortened" aiming for the legs means your intent was not to kill, only stop the intrusion.???

I pray that NO ONE ever has to defend their homes from mobs or groups of ner do wells.
 
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