Coverage by The Advocate: https://www.advocate.com/news/supreme-court-marriage-equality-reconsideration

Source: https://reason.com/2025/10/22/homeland-security-wont-stop-lying-about-who-immigration-enforcers-are-arresting/

Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/immigration-dhs-american-citizens-arrested-detained-against-will

Source: https://www.404media.co/hackers-say-they-have-personal-data-of-thousands-of-nsa-and-other-government-officials/

Source: https://www.tag24.com/politics/refugees/ice-buying-guided-missile-warheads-as-spending-skyrockets-under-trump-3430906

(Use Tor browser to skip the email signup)

https://theintercept.com/2016/09/12/long-secret-stingray-manuals-detail-how-police-can-spy-on-phones/

TechCrunch has a good article showing the public records documenting the recent ICE purchase and explaining how the devices work. Also check our Bookmarks for a link to over 200 pages of Stingray manuals to learn more about them. Here's the TechCrunch article:

ICE bought vehicles equipped with fake cell towers to spy on phones  | TechCrunch

Download: 2600-emails-of-organized-anti-trans-hate.pdf

Image: Freepik

Living in Two Places, Running One Business: Smart Moves for Multi-State Entrepreneurs

Running a business is already a full-time hustle. Add in living across state lines—whether for family reasons, lifestyle changes, or strategic opportunities—and you’re suddenly spinning two plates while walking a tightrope. Managing a multi-state life as a business owner isn’t impossible, but it definitely calls for more than your usual “figure it out as I go” mindset. With some thoughtful planning and a few key practices, you can keep your business grounded even when your life isn’t tied to just one zip code.

Get Clear on Where Your Business Truly Lives

One of the first things to lock down is your business’s home base—not where you sleep, but where your business is legally grounded. This matters because tax obligations, licensing, and regulations are all based on that primary location. Even if you’re bouncing between Florida and New York, your business can’t be. If you registered your LLC in Georgia but you’re now working remotely half the year in Colorado, you may need to register as a foreign entity there to stay compliant.

Don’t Miss a Beat During the Move

When you relocate your LLC to another state, one of the most overlooked steps is naming a registered agent who can reliably receive legal and official documents on your business’s behalf. This person or service is your go-between for government correspondence, lawsuits, and compliance notices—so it’s not something to shrug off. While it’s legally allowed to name yourself, using a registered agent service can be a smarter move since they offer helpful compliance reminders and let you avoid late fees or penalties from missed filings. Plus, you won’t be tied to one location during standard business hours, which is especially helpful when your schedule or address is in flux.

Set Up Your Finances to Handle Split Geography

Your finances need to be just as flexible as your suitcase. That means having a solid accounting system that clearly separates personal and business expenses, especially if you’re living part-time in another state where you’re also spending money. Work with a tax professional who understands multi-state filings—they can help you avoid surprises when April rolls around. Also, keep in mind that bank access and ATM fees can sneak up on you if your business bank isn’t easily accessible in both locations.

Stay Organized with Digital Infrastructure

Cloud-based tools aren’t just helpful—they’re essential when your office might be your kitchen table in one state and a coworking space in another. Make use of platforms like QuickBooks, Google Workspace, or project management tools like Notion or Trello to keep your operations smooth. When you’re not always physically near your team, your systems have to do the heavy lifting. Think of it like packing the right carry-on—if you’ve got the essentials set up digitally, you’re always ready to work no matter where you are.

Handle State-Specific Tax Rules Like a Pro

Each state comes with its own maze of tax rules. Some have no income tax (hello, Florida), while others will happily take a chunk of your business revenue (looking at you, California). If you're earning in multiple states, you might need to file multiple returns, or at the very least, apportion income based on where it was earned. It’s not the most exciting part of running a business, but it’s definitely one of the most important. Partner with someone who knows how to untangle that mess for you—or you’ll be trying to sort it out when it’s too late.

Use Your Location Strategically

One of the perks of living in multiple states is being able to tap into different markets and communities. Don’t just bounce between places—build relationships in both. Maybe you test new products in one state while scaling your main service in the other. Or maybe your slower season in one region is the busy season somewhere else, letting you smooth out revenue year-round. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about leaning into the opportunities that each location brings to the table.

Keep Your Team and Clients in the Loop

When your living arrangements shift, communication becomes even more important. Let your team know when you’ll be around, what your availability looks like, and how to reach you. If you work with clients, especially local ones, set expectations about response times or in-person availability. Living in two places doesn’t mean being unavailable—it just means being deliberate about how you stay connected. You’d be surprised how understanding people are when you lead with transparency.

You don’t have to be tied to one place to run a grounded, profitable business. In fact, living in multiple states can give you a wider lens, better reach, and a healthier lifestyle if you manage it right. The key is treating each piece—your legal setup, your finances, your communication—as part of a bigger system that moves with you. With a little intention and a strong support team, you can live where you want, run what you love, and never miss a beat.

Looking to buy or sell a home in South Carolina? Contact The Clever People today for a trusted real estate experience that exceeds expectations. ​

Administrators will see a new error message stating: Plugin mysql_native_password reported: ''mysql_native_password' is deprecated and will be removed in a future release. Please use caching_sha2_password instead.

The problem is: there is currently no known way to convert users to the new method without knowing the user's password, and how many folks will remember their database passwords? It just takes a simple line of SQL to convert the account, but finding all of the passwords and their use cases will be a nightmare.

To identify the users on the system who need to be updated, execute the following SQL on your MySQL server:

SELECT user, host, plugin from mysql.user WHERE plugin='mysql_native_password';

And then using the user's password, convert the authentication from mysql_native_password to caching_sha2_password with the following SQL:

ALTER USER '<USERNAME>'@'<HOST>' IDENTIFIED WITH caching_sha2_password BY '<PASSWORD>';

You'll obviously replace USERNAME, HOST, and PASSWORD with the appropriate values.
 

Smart Strategies for Adults Returning to School: Financing College with House Flipping

Image via Pexels

Are you contemplating a return to school but find yourself daunted by the financial implications? House flipping could be the innovative solution you need, merging your interest in real estate with the goal of funding your education. This venture not only offers substantial financial returns but also offers the flexibility to juggle academic commitments with entrepreneurial endeavors. By choosing an online degree program, you can further enhance this balance, taking advantage of flexible schedules and cost-effective tuition structures. As you embark on this dual journey, the skills you develop in time management and strategic planning will serve you well in both arenas.

Online Education

Choosing an online degree program can be a strategic move for those looking to balance education with house flipping. Online programs often offer flexible schedules and charge tuition by the credit hour, which can be more cost-effective than traditional semester fees. This flexibility allows you to manage your studies alongside your house flipping projects efficiently. If you’re a nurse aiming to advance your career, you may be interested in this program. Many students also benefit from transferring previously earned credits, which can further reduce the time and cost of obtaining a degree.

Energy Efficiency

Incorporating energy-efficient upgrades into the home not only boosts its appeal to eco-conscious buyers but also enhances its market value. Homes with these upgrades often sell faster and at a premium, reflecting a commitment to environmental conservation and positioning your home as a modern living space. Becoming an Energy Star Certified Home can significantly increase your home’s green quotient. Additionally, performing a DIY energy audit can help identify areas for improvement, such as replacing insulation, to further enhance energy conservation.

Accurate Estimates

Accurately estimating renovation costs is essential for successfully flipping houses, especially if you’re using the profits to fund your education. By utilizing modern tools that offer high accuracy in generating cost estimates, you can gain a clear understanding of both material and labor expenses. Additionally, free online calculators allow you to refine your estimates by inputting specific details such as square footage and material preferences. Combining these technological resources with strategic planning can help you manage your renovation budget effectively and maximize your investment returns.

Real Estate Cycles

It’s essential for success to grasp the cyclical nature of the real estate market. Typically, home sales peak during the warmer months, making it an ideal time to sell properties at higher prices. Conversely, purchasing during the off-season can yield lower prices, enhancing your profit margins. By understanding these seasonal trends, you can align your buying and selling strategies with market cycles, which are influenced by factors like interest rates and economic conditions. This not only maximizes your potential returns but also supports your educational goals.

1031 Exchanges

If you’re considering using a 1031 exchange to defer taxes while flipping houses to fund your return to school, it’s important to recognize that this strategy isn’t suitable for such ventures. The IRS classifies properties intended for quick resale as ineligible for like-kind exchanges. This is because 1031 exchanges are meant for investment properties held for long-term use in a trade or business, not for immediate resale. While flipping can be a profitable way to generate funds for education, the short-term nature of these transactions doesn’t align with the long-term investment intent required for a 1031 exchange. Instead, consider exploring other tax strategies to effectively manage capital gains.

Flipping Finances

To succeed through house flipping, it’s vital to build a network with financial advisors and mortgage brokers. These professionals can guide you towards the best funding options, such as hard money loans or private funds. By understanding the intricacies of these financial products, you can effectively plan your budget and cover all potential costs, including unexpected expenses. Collaborating with these experts not only enhances your financial literacy but also equips you to make informed decisions that maximize your returns.

House flipping offers a unique opportunity to fund your education while engaging in a rewarding and potentially lucrative venture. By strategically balancing your studies with real estate projects, enhancing property value through sustainable upgrades, and understanding market cycles, you can effectively support your educational goals. With the right approach, flipping houses can be more than just a financial strategy—it can be a pathway to achieving your dreams.

Experience our trustworthy, profitable services we offer our clients by visiting The Clever People today!

Discover insightful blog posts, join active groups, and engage with a community of like-minded individuals on CleverPeople.com. Create your account today to start exploring and connecting!

Home Bound: Making the Case for Renovations Over Relocation

Deciding whether to invest in home improvements or to pack up and move to a new house is a significant choice that impacts not just your lifestyle but also your financial health. This decision can be daunting, but by methodically assessing your needs, the current market, and the potential return on investment, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term goals. Here's how to approach this pivotal decision.

Emotional Connections vs. Practical Considerations

Start by evaluating your emotional attachment to your current home and neighborhood. Are the memories and community ties you've built here strong enough to make staying put more appealing? Your feelings toward your living space are a crucial factor in this decision, as a house is more than just an asset; it's your home.

Assess Home Improvement Returns

Before you commit to renovations, understand which home improvements are most likely to increase your property’s value. Kitchen and bathroom updates typically offer the best return on investment (ROI). Adding an extra bedroom or enhancing your outdoor space can also boost your home’s market value. Research and prioritize improvements that balance your personal enjoyment with financial prudence.

Understand the Housing Market

Exploring current housing market trends in your area is essential. Is the market favoring buyers or sellers? If homes are selling at premium prices, moving might get you a better deal for a more suitable property. Conversely, a sluggish market might make renovating your current home a smarter financial move.

Space Requirements

Consider if your current home can adapt to meet your space needs. Sometimes, an extension or reconfiguration can add the necessary space; other times, the structure or property size may limit your options. If your home cannot be adjusted to meet your needs, relocating might be your only option to find a living space that suits your lifestyle.

Leverage a Home Maintenance App

To make an informed decision about minor repairs or updates, consider using a home maintenance and repair app. These apps facilitate scheduling service appointments, tracking repair statuses, and accessing vital information about your home systems and appliances. It's helpful to consider how these platforms streamline communication between homeowners and service professionals, who can provide competitive quotes for maintenance or repair work. 

Set Your Financial Framework

Having a clear understanding of your budget is crucial for either option. Calculate the potential costs of moving, including real estate fees, moving expenses, and the price difference between your current home and a potential new home. Compare these costs against the investment required for renovations. Ensure your financial plan supports your decision without overextending your resources.

Reflect on Your Long-Term Goals

Think about your future aspirations. How does each option fit into your long-term plans? If you’re planning to grow your family, consider whether your current home can be adapted to meet this change. If you're nearing retirement, evaluate the benefits of downsizing or relocating to a community that better suits a slower-paced lifestyle.

Consult with Professionals

Before making your final decision, consult with a variety of professionals. Real estate agents can offer insights into the local market, contractors can provide renovation quotes and timelines, architects can suggest ways to maximize your current space, and financial advisors can help ensure your plans align with your economic realities. Gathering expert opinions will equip you with the knowledge to make a well-rounded decision.

Deciding whether to improve your current home or move to a new one is a significant decision that involves careful consideration of various factors. Weighing the financial implications, assessing the emotional and practical impacts, and evaluating the potential for future growth and changes are crucial steps in making an informed choice. Whether you choose to renovate and stay or embark on the journey of finding a new home, ensuring that your decision aligns with your long-term goals and personal circumstances will ultimately lead to greater satisfaction and peace of mind.

Image via Freepik

Relocating for a career opportunity can be an exhilarating yet daunting endeavor. To transition smoothly and efficiently, it’s crucial to strategically plan and execute your move. This Clever People guide provides a comprehensive framework to help you navigate your career relocation with minimal stress, cost, and time. Carefully considering each step can transform a potentially overwhelming process into an exciting journey.

Embrace the Adjustment Period

As you embark on this new chapter, allow time to adapt to your new environment. This period is not just about unpacking boxes but also about embracing the local culture and lifestyle. Take walks, visit local landmarks, and engage in community activities. These experiences will enrich your understanding of the area and ease the emotional and psychological transitions accompanying such a move.

Enhance Your Career with Online Education

Earning an online FNP degree can be a strategic choice to enhance your career prospects after relocating. This program is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, allowing you to effectively balance work, family, and studies. This online degree enables you to take on a more hands-on role in healthcare, diagnosing and treating patients while continuing your professional growth. By pursuing this degree, you can manage your caregiving responsibilities more efficiently, making your career transition smoother and more impactful.

Build Your Local Network

Upon your arrival, take the initiative to attend career fairs, networking events, and seminars relevant to your field. Engaging with local professionals provides insider knowledge about job opportunities and the economic climate, which can prove invaluable in accelerating your career trajectory in this new locale. Such connections might also lead to friendships and mentorships, making your new city feel more like home.

Manage Living Costs Effectively
 

One critical aspect of relocating is understanding and managing the cost of living changes. Compare housing prices, transportation costs, food expenses, and other necessities with those in your current location. This financial diligence will help you create a realistic budget that accommodates your lifestyle without compromising on essentials, ensuring a smoother financial transition.
 

Discover Local Amenities
 

Your quality of life in a new city will significantly depend on the amenities available. Research public transportation, healthcare facilities, parks, and recreational activities. Knowing what services are at your disposal and where they are located can significantly reduce the day-to-day stress often associated with adjusting to a new area. Become familiar with the community assets to better integrate and enjoy your new environment.

Arrange Essential Services Beforehand
 

To hit the ground running, set up essential services such as electricity, water, internet, and bank accounts before you move. This pre-arrangement prevents any disruptions in your daily life and work, allowing you to focus on settling in and starting your new job under the best conditions. Being proactive about these practical matters can save you time and trouble, helping you to start your new chapter on the right foot.

Opt for Temporary Housing If Needed

If permanent housing is not immediately available, consider temporary accommodations like short-term rentals or extended-stay hotels. This flexibility can relieve the pressure of finding the perfect home immediately, allowing you to explore various neighborhoods and make well-informed decisions about where you want to live without rushing. Utilize this period as an opportunity to get to know your new city, ensuring you choose the best possible long-term home.

Secure Your Belongings with Moving Insurance

During the physical relocation, ensure your belongings are protected through reliable moving insurance. This coverage safeguards your possessions against loss or damage during transit, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on the more exciting aspects of your move. Investigate various insurance options to find a plan that suits your needs and budget, ensuring you're covered from day one. With the proper protection, you can look forward to your new adventure without undue worry about your belongings.

A successful career relocation requires thorough preparation and mindful execution. By following this structured approach, you can ensure that your move is not only effective but also enriching. Remember that the key to a seamless transition is as much about logistics as it is about attitude; approach each step with positivity and openness, ready to embrace the opportunities that your new professional and personal life abroad offers.

Image: Pexels

Mastering the Art of Relocation: How to Start a Home Business and Move Simultaneously

Moving to a new home is already an exhausting process, but the thought of starting a business can add an additional layer of stress and complexity. However, with proper planning and execution, it is possible to successfully launch a business while moving to a new location. In this article, The Clever People of eXp Realty outlines some essential tips on how to launch a business while moving and provide insights on how to navigate the challenges and make your business launch a success.

Finding and Setting Up Your Home

Consider the Price of Utilities

Before you move into your new home and start your business, it is essential to calculate the cost of all utilities. These include electricity, water, gas, and internet. Make sure to budget for these costs and research different providers in your area to find the best deals. Furthermore, ensure you have a clear understanding of each utility's terms and conditions and any penalties for late payments or improper usage. By having a clear understanding of your utility costs, you can manage your business and personal finances more effectively.

Ensure Adequate Parking

When starting a business, having sufficient parking for both your business and personal needs is essential. Ensure that you have enough space for your personal vehicles, as well as any customer or employee vehicles. Additionally, The Balance notes that you should review the zoning requirements for your business to ensure that you have adhered to any parking regulations.

Analyze Your Property's Curb Appeal

Your new home's curb appeal can have a significant impact on your business's perception and reputation. Before you launch your business, evaluate the exterior of your property. Make any necessary repairs or improvements to enhance curb appeal and create an inviting, professional appearance.

Consider Floor Repairs or Replacement

Deteriorating or damaged floors can make the space look unprofessional and pose a safety hazard to employees and customers. Therefore, address any flooring issues before you launch your business to ensure a strong foundation for your startup.

Putting the Focus on Your Business

Earn an Online Business Degree

If you're planning to launch a business while moving to a new home, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed. However, in this digital age, earning an online business degree can bring you the support and knowledge needed to make the transition smoother. With an online business degree program, you can learn fundamental business concepts and strategies at your own pace and convenience.

Stay Focused on Long-Term Goals

When starting a business while moving, it's crucial to maintain focus on your long-term goals. Dividends Diversity suggests taking the time to develop a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your business and create a strategic plan to ensure its success in the years ahead. By prioritizing your objectives and making informed decisions, you can navigate the challenges of both starting a business and relocating with confidence.

Create an Informative Brochure for Your Brand

Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that your business has an appealing and informative brochure that captures your company’s mission and values. You can use a brochure to create a lasting impression on potential customers and differentiate your business from competitors in the industry.

By building your own brochure you’re able to utilize unique elements to make a brand more memorable, which can help increase brand recognition and customer loyalty. Whether it's designing a custom brochure through an online brochure maker or working with a graphic designer, investing in proper branding can lead to long-term success for your business. If you choose to DIY with an online tool, you can choose from a number of different templates and customize with your own text, fonts, and graphics.

It might be difficult to start a business while relocating, but it is doable with the right preparation and execution. Consider earning an online business degree to gain essential knowledge and skills that can help you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and invest time in creating a strong logo and brand identity to establish a solid foundation for your business while managing the stresses of a move.

There are many reasons why mass incarceration is a problem. First, it is expensive. The United States spends more on prisons than on higher education, and the cost of incarceration is only going up. Second, mass incarceration is ineffective. Studies have shown that incarceration does not reduce crime rates, and it can actually increase them. Third, mass incarceration is harmful to individuals and families. People who are incarcerated are more likely to become unemployed, homeless, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. They are also more likely to be victims of violence.

There are many things that can be done to end mass incarceration. We can reduce the number of people who are incarcerated by reforming our criminal justice system. We can also invest in programs that help people who have been incarcerated reintegrate into society.

Ending mass incarceration is not going to be easy, but it is essential. It is time to invest in our communities, not our prisons.

Here are some specific steps that can be taken to end mass incarceration:

• Reform the criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation, not punishment.
• Reduce the number of people who are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses.
• Invest in programs that help people who have been incarcerated reintegrate into society.
• End the war on drugs, which has disproportionately affected people of color.
• Address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and lack of opportunity.

Ending mass incarceration will not happen overnight, but it is possible. It will require a concerted effort from all of us. We need to demand change from our elected officials, and we need to support organizations that are working to make our communities safer and more just.

– Bard (Google AI)

However, the current iteration of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has defied all logical or legal reasoning, and the majority of illegitimate justices have become activists who are sitting on the bench.

It was previously ill-advised to read the "tea leaves" of SCOTUS decisions based on legal theory. Sadly, we can now predict what 1) the legal outcome of a case should be and 2) the likely outcome of the case based on a #CorruptSupremeCourt making decisions in cases that affect our future,

In her suicide note, she detailed the problems that led up to her death. My series Leelah! is not about her or her life, but is dedicated to her in hopes of helping fulfill her last wish: "Fix society!" for transgender kids. I'm cisgender, so once my vision for the series is fully articulated I'll be asking transgender experts for help.

I will also be making sure any proceeds made from the series will go to organizations that serve the transgender community. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

- Gary Wright II

The series logo:

Photo via Pexels

Tips for an Effortless Move to Anderson

Welcome to Anderson, a wonderful small town in South Carolina. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of convenience and small-town charm, you’ve come to the right place! Anderson is an affordable hub for families looking for a laid-back lifestyle. And there are plenty of outdoor recreation options for active individuals looking to spend more time under the sun. Here’s a quick moving checklist to help you settle into your new home!

Find Your Perfect Home

If you’re still looking for a place to live, research different Anderson neighborhoods and connect with a local real estate agent for help finding a property.

• Read up about the city and find key information about the cost of living, job market, school system, crime rate, and more.

• Research housing market trends in different Anderson neighborhoods.

• Connect with a local real estate company like The Clever People for help with all of your home buying needs.

Tackle Your Moving Checklist

Your moving checklist should include important tasks like hooking up your utilities, registering your vehicle, and registering your business in South Carolina.

• Contact Anderson’s trash and recycling contractor to start your services.

• Get in touch with Anderson’s other utility and service providers for internet, gas, electric, and water.

• Are you a small business owner? Learn about starting a business and registering as an LLC in South Carolina.

• If you’re moving from out of state, remember to register your vehicle as soon as possible.

Find Your New Favorite Spots

Ready to get out and see your new city? Leave some of the unpacking for later and give yourself a break to explore!

• Have some fun exploring the best things to do in Anderson.

• When you need a pick-me-up, visit one of Anderson’s local cafes.

• Find your new favorite grocery store and stock your fridge with fresh food.

• If you don’t feel like cooking after all that moving, order in from one of the city’s top restaurants!

Moving to Anderson doesn’t have to be stressful. This charming town offers plenty of helpful resources for new residents like you! If you can’t find what you’re looking for in this guide, search around online and you’re bound to come across answers to any question you may have about getting settled in the city.

In my experience, THC/CBD is the safest alternative (other than sleep) to compensate for that imbalance. Caffeine in controlled doses may help some patients, but the way it works is by fooling the body by blocking critical receptors. Our human bodies already evolved to have cannabinoid receptors which are fully satisfied by marijuana in its natural form.

Those receptors are partially satisfied when we move the double hydrogen bond to create either Δ8THC/Δ10THC. There is absolutely no scientific reason not to fully legalize and decriminalize marijuana in the natural form. #LegalizeIt
Here's some very closely related studies on HPA Axis and alcoholism:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860380/

The video is available here: https://storage.googleapis.com/media.cleverthings.net/video/Gary-Wright/Alabama/GuntersvilleCityCouncil-20210315-Gary-Speech.mp4

Good evening Mayor Dollar and City Council Members,

My name is Gary Wright, and I’m a resident of Marshall County. I was one of the Alabama marriage equality plaintiffs, and for over two decades I’ve been working on issues that affect the LGBTQ community in our state and beyond. So I’d like to make a brief statement in regards to the shirt that Councilman Randy Whitaker recently posted to social media.

Through his wife’s Facebook page, Councilman Whitaker says he “has friends and family members who are gay” which is not surprising because despite what his novelty t-shirt says, LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer and we represent over 10% of the population.

Because of the hatred that has been spewed from public podiums over the past few years, hate crimes are up across-the-board. What you do and say reverberate throughout the community. Not just in fostering hatred, but often resulting in self-harm by our most vulnerable communities. In young people age 10-24, suicide is the second leading cause of death. LGB youth contemplate suicide three times the rate of heterosexual youth, and are five times as likely to attempt it. 40% of transgender adults have made a suicide attempt. Each episode of LGBTQ victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse increases the likelihood of self-harm by 2-1/2 times.

Source: TheTrevorProject.org

While the social media posts and words spoken by our leaders are important, I’m much more concerned about what is posted in their hearts and the harmful actions they take. So I urge each of you to examine your heart, and if you’re unable or unwilling to treat everyone with the dignity and equality that they deserve, it’s time for you to resign from public office.

Thank you for your time and attention,
Gary Wright II

Note: There were microphone problems, so I removed my double face mask at the podium just before this video starts.

First, in modsecurity I block problematic country .TLDs, which I know is anti-social, but it prevents lots of headaches for my current business use case. This doesn't prevent a determined hacker from using a VPN for attacks in another country (like US), but it does cut down on much of the noise so that the system administrator can focus on actual hack attacks.

In the crs-setup.conf file I block the problematic TLDs:

SecAction \
 "id:[your rule ID may vary!],\
  phase:1,\
  nolog,\
  pass,\
  t:none,\
  setvar:'tx.high_risk_country_codes=RU CN RO UA ID YU LT EG BG TR PK MY AF IQ IR KP SA SC SY VA AE IL IN'"
 

And for spam control, in my postfix main.cf file, my configuration for the smtpd_sender_restrictions line looks like this (the last part is what is relevant by adding a PCRE list of domains):

smtpd_sender_restrictions  = permit_mynetworks, permit_sasl_authenticated, reject_unauthenticated_sender_login_mismatch, check_sender_access pcre:/etc/postfix/reject_domains

And in the /etc/postfix/reject_domains file I block each of the domains that are most likely to produce spam:

/\.xyz$/ REJECT We reject all .xyz domains due to spam
 

Note: Since the /etc/postfix/reject_domains file is not hashed, there's no need to run the postmap command after changes (unlike helo_access and other hashed files).

Once your Postfix changes are complete, you need to restart or reload Postfix with a command similar to:

sudo service postfix reload

Since Postfix is technically an MTA, you shouldn't really use it as your primary spam-fighting solution. I use many other tools such as SpamAssassin as Bayesian milters to fight spam, but you can head much of it off from the start by blocking domains and TLDs that are problematic for you!

Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.

While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity.

That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on.

Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time. I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars.

Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare. If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain.

Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.

Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.

You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, though decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others.

Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.

When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

-Congressman John Lewis