Politics – Page 10 – Muscular Christianity

Victims…

If you can successfully convince the world that you are a victim, you’ve placed yourself in a very strategic position in that no one can question you, let alone criticize you, without being automatically categorized as a villain.

Depending on how convincing your platform is, you can secure monumental amounts of compassion, pity and even favors. And what makes it a truly brilliant tactic is that should you be nothing more than a charlatan, your disguise will never be recognized as the sinister charade that it is. Rather, you’ll be applauded as a hero while those that dare to doubt you are condemned as cynical and even cruel.

Combine this theater with a script that makes use of words designed to illicit an emotional response and costumes that make you appear either meek or professional and you have constructed a stage reinforced with multiple layers of distractions and intellectual sounding defenses that is capable of advancing a truly heinous agenda, all the while keeping the voice of reason either completely silent or perpetually hesitant for fear of being labeled intolerant or worse.

Facts are subordinate to information and truth is silenced with facts. It’s an overwhelming din of outbursts, indignation and even violence – all supposedly justified by tragic circumstances and unjust persecution.

This is the methodology of the Left. Racism, Homosexuality, Illegal Immigration – these aren’t topics as much as they are tactics. While they do represent legitimate issues, their real utility, in the mind of the Progressive, is the way in which they can be used as the backdrop for the plight of an individual that’s been “victimized” by an antiquated and sinister system that must be changed.

The “system” is the Constitution, the Rule of Law, Moral Absolutes – bulwarks of our national and spiritual heritage – all of which limit the momentum of the Left. Therefore, they must be eliminated, or at least altered, in order to afford the poison of the Progressive to proceed unabated…

Right now you have a political climate where the Left is being viewed by many as downright disdainful. Encouraging incivility and even violence, perpetually negative press, even this last episode with Judge Kavanaugh where they attempted to promote the accusation of an uncertain and forgetful woman as grounds for disqualifying Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court Justice while simultaneously demolishing his integrity, his honor and his career. These are the things that are being noted by those who aren’t quite sure how they’re going to vote in the upcoming election and it’s not looking good for the Democrats who are being revealed more and more as a party whose sole priority is the acquisition of power at any expense.

Meanwhile, President Trump is presiding over a strong economy, a solid foreign policy, tax cuts and a myriad of other campaign promises that have been kept.

In the words of my father, “It’s hard to argue with success.”

Now here comes a mob from Mexico whose intentions aren’t quite clear. Are they going to try and make their way into our country by force? It’s hard to tell, but it’s going to be some kind of standoff and what do they expect to accomplish in the face of our military? And what happens if we open fire?

Victims.

This morning we hear that explosive devices have been intercepted by the Secret Service that were targeting Hillary, Obama and George Soros. Thankfully, everyone is safe and an investigation is underway. But what does the press now have access to, as far as the verbiage that represents an appropriate way to describe the aforementioned champions of the Left?

They’re victims.

Today Hillary was speaking and she assured everyone that she’s alright as a person, but as an Amercian she’s concerned about the division that is now so prevalent in our country. She went on to say how iimportant it is to elect governement officials into positions of authority that promote unity…

Do you not smell that?

“We need to come together as a nation and put this division behind us.”

“We need to act now before anyone gets hurt, be it a military standoff or a bomb delivered to a public servant….”

“We don’t want anymore…”

…victims.

I hope I’m wrong. But should the investigation that’s now underway uncover a charade designed to make those who support Trump appear agreeable to the idea of attacking the former President or the former Secretary of State, I don’t know if I would be that surprised. After all, if your philosophical starting point necessitates the victimized element in order to distract from the lack of wisdom and substance that characterizes your platform, then you need victims.

What do you think?

Because of the Constitution, Not in Spite of It

Ain’t it amazing when you hear people talk about the US as those who have something real to compare it to? Whether by default or design, they are embracing all the freedoms that go along with our spiritual / moral heritage. This is the very thing that the Left wants to retool, believing it to be antiquated and even sinister.

I’m working on a project right now based on an article in the New York Times written by an African American who believes the Constitution to be toxic in that it was written and ratified by a group of men, many of whom were slave owners. What I find ironic about his platform is that he’s demonizing the very paradigm that gives him the right to be critical. The Bill of Rights was written by James Madison. On June 8, 1789, he addressed the Congress and insisted that the Constitution would not be complete unless amendments were added that explicitly protected individual rights. These would be the first ten amendments made to the Constitution and among them were the Freedom of Speech and the Freedom of the Press.

James Madison was a slave owner.

Granted, the irony is obvious. How can a man who views an entire race of human beings as nothing more than pieces of property to be bought and sold not recognize how that view compromises the declared scope of the Constitution as well as the Declaration of Independence? But in the end, the quality and durability of the Constitution is not measure by the moral flaws of the men that wrote it. Rather, it’s gauged according to the substance of the document itself.

In this journalist’s case, it’s not just the Bill of Rights he should be considering. It’s also the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments that were made by the Republican party¹ in the aftermath of the Civil War – the only war that was fought in the history of our planet that was waged for the sake of eliminating the sin of slavery. The 13th amendment banned slavery, the 14th amendment defined a citizen as anyone born in the US which overturned an earlier ruling that prohibited Black people from voting, and the 15th amendment was an expansion of the 14th amendment. It prohibited governments from denying US citizens the right to vote based on race, color or past servitude.

Like so many on the Left who labor to promote convictions based on a very judiciously selected collection of facts in a way to muffle the truth, is not only flawed, it’s downright belligerent. 360,000 Caucasians died to ensure the end of slavery as well as create the political environment that would allow for the aforementioned amendments. By condemning the Constitution, you sneer at the very laws that give you the right to mock your government without fear of punishment. It’s this same legal foundation that provides you the opportunity to live in a land that affords you the opportunity to succeed and grow. And none of this came about without the blood and sacrifice of millions of people in the context of wars that were fought to protect those freedoms.

In short, the Oath of Allegiance that an immigrant has to state in order to become a citizen is something they embrace as a privilege. It includes supporting and defending the Constitution. They joyfully swear their allegiance to our country and its laws because they appreciate the profound rights guaranteed by the philosophical and legislative foundation crafted by flawed men, no doubt, but based on Divine Absolutes that prevent the corruption of power from restricting an individual’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The video clip featured on the right is more than just an inspiring scene of individuals realizing their dream of citizenship in the US. It’s a reminder that we are still a beacon of hope and opportunity for much of the civilized world. And we are that because of the Constitution, not in spite of it.

1. 13th Amendment – James Mitchell Ashley of Ohio (Republican), 14th Amendment – John A Bingham of Ohio (Republican), 15th Amendment – John A Bingham of Ohio (Republican)

Rachel Mitchell’s Memo

What is it about today’s political climate that makes it so volatile?

Why is it that the lines have been so vividly drawn between political parties when it used to be a situation where we all wanted to head in the same direction, we just wanted to use different methodologies? Now, we have differing points of view even when it comes to basic, moral issues and the presence of God in the legislative marketplace.

Our coinage says, “In God We Trust.” The most repeated character in our capital’s architecture is Moses. Leviticus 25:10 is inscribed on the Liberty Bell and would you be surprised to know that the President who attended church services every Sunday during his administration, approved the use of the War Office as well as the Office of the Treasury for religious services and also approved the use of the Marine Band to provide instrumental accompaniment for the religious services going on within those government facilities was Thomas Jefferson?

Yes, the same guy that Liberals love to quote as the author of the whole “separation of church and state” concept.

Truth is no longer revered as an Absolute. Instead, it’s about tactics, posturing and agenda driven journalists strategically crafting headlines knowing that the majority of those who are voting will base their convictions on sound bytes and talking heads more so than books and any attempts made to look beyond the din of media “coverage.”

There’s a memo out there right now written by Rachel Mitchell. Mitchell is a prosecutor who has 25 years experience of sex-related crimes in Arizona. She was hired by the Republican base in the Senate to ask Christine Ford questions in an effort to determine her credibility given the allegations she’s leveled at Kavanaugh. They felt this would be more effective in establishing a clear bottom line rather than risk wasting time by making speeches instead of asking questions.

If you’re really interested in the truth, it may be a healthy thing to read the memo. Granted, there’s always two sides to the story and you want to give both sides a fair hearing. That said, we’ve heard a great deal from Ford and those who have suffered as a result of being sexually assaulted. You don’t want to minimize any of that, but not at the expense of truth.

So…

Read the memo. Mitchell identifies 3 pages worth of inconsistencies and includes a timeline that details Ford’s interactions with the Democrat party.

I want to believe that regardless of how the news wants to present the champions of the Left as dignified and enlightened individuals who represent the majority of America, there is a massive constituency out there that doesn’t buy it and wants what’s real and what’s true. That’s what makes America great.

Truth.

Truth in the context of a Divine Absolute and truth as it’s played out in the halls of congress that are committed to what’s just and not the mere appearance of propriety.

In the end, it’s not just the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh as much as it’s the revealing of the sinister dynamics that seek to retool the essence of what America was designed to be and what can be again.

A Tale of Two Gyms

There once were two gyms.

Both of them had great facilities, but at one point, Todd, the owner of one of the gyms, decided he wanted to create a situation that would help those who were overweight and out of shape by creating a turnstile that deducted a portion of the muscle-building, calorie=burning result from everyone that had just worked out and made it available to those who hadn’t exercised.

It really was revolutionary! Those who couldn’t afford a gym membership or had been injured and couldn’t workout could now simply walk through this turnstile and experience a change in their body as a certain number of calories were automatically burned and a muscle group of their choice was improved. They didn’t have to put forth any effort – all they had to do was simply walk through the turnstile and just like that, their bodies were adjusted as though they had just perspired and trained for a full 90 minutes.

It was a huge success! Suddenly people who had been struggling with a weight problem were able to see a difference in the way their clothes fit and those who had never had any real muscle tone to speak of were seeing a difference in their strength and endurance.

Meanwhile, Nathan, the owner of the other gym, continued to do business as usual. Some of his customers changed their membership and went over to Todd’s facility, but Nate didn’t seem to be overly concerned. It was as though he was waiting for something.

After about a month some of Todd’s members were noticing a problem. Some of those who were walking through the turnstile because they couldn’t train were heading down to the “Gut Bomb” restaurant down the road immediately afterwards and consuming an exorbitant number of calories. And them some of those who could workout were simply choosing not to and instead just walking through the turnstile. Those that were still motivated and disciplined were just as consistent as they had been before, but they were getting frustrated to see the fruit of their labor being distributed to a group of people, some of whom were not putting forth any effort on their own and were instead just benefiting from the efforts of others.

“Todd, we’ve made a decision,” said Rick, one of the members speaking for a small group that had assembled in front of Todd’s office.

“Great,” said Todd. “What’s on your mind?”

“We’re headed over to Nate’s gym.”

“Why would you do that?” said Todd. “You guys have been coming here for years.”

‘It’s your turnstile, man,” said Rebecca, of the other members. “We’re tired of training as hard as we do only for that work to be divvied up and distributed to some who either don’t work at all or are taking advantage of the fact that they can workout for 10 minutes and walk through your turnstile and, just like that, they’ve exercised for over an hour and a half. It’s not fair and we’re done.”

“But some of these people need help,” pleaded Todd.

“Then help them, “said Rick. “But help them with your resources. Don’t force upon your members a situation that assumes everyone is working as hard as everyone else, because they’re not.”

For a moment, Todd looked skeptical. “I don’t know if I agree with that,” he said.

“Well, you’re not the one on the treadmill. You’re not the one working out and cranking out all the reps,” said Rick.

“Have you been paying attention to your Group Fitness Classes,” asked Rebecca, another one of the members that had congregated around Todd’s office.

“What do you mean?” asked Todd.

Rebecca paused, as though she was having a hard time believing that Todd hadn’t noticed.

“You used to have 20-30 people in your classes at any given time. Now you’re lucky to have five or six. Does that not tell you something?”

Todd was getting a little indignant. “Well, what should it tell me?” he asked.

Rick paused for a minute, recognizing that the tone of the conversation was getting ready to become more heated than it needed to be.

“Todd,” said Rick in a very measured tone. “Look. We love you, we love your facility, but we’re weary of having to support others who, in some cases are unwilling to support themselves. It’s not a question of being open to helping someone as much as its being willing to subsidize someone’s bad habits.”

Todd was still not convinced there was a valid point being made.

“I really don’t know how you could feel that way,” he said.

“Well,” said Rick, “it’s pretty easy. I get done with a workout and I watch some of the beneficiaries of the work that I’ve just done on their behalf walk through your turnstile and then head on down to the ‘Gut Bomb.’ You don’t value what you haven’t earned. Consequently, they have no problem believing that they can outrun their fork. So, while I’m watching what I eat, they’re just eating what’s in front of them and pretty much destroying all the good that was done for them by others in the gym just a moment ago.”

Rebecca chimed in. “And Todd, I’ve seen it too. I know you want to help people, but you’ve got to be smart in the way you help them and not just generous.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Rick.

“Saying you want help implies that you’re making an effort and you’re needing assistance,” said Rebecca. “But you can get in line with those who are genuinely working to improve their situation and, while you look identical on paper, there are some who are actually working out on their own and watching their diet and there’s some who are expecting you to do everything for them.”

“Well,” said Rick, “I’ve got to tell you that I’m really surprised, folks. To me, you all sound very selfish and…I don’t know what to say.”

“Todd, let me ask you something,” said Rick. “How often have you worked out yourself since you installed those turnstiles?”

For a moment, there was an awkward silence in the room.

As the group started to make their way out of Todd’s office, Rick lingered and stuck his hand out to shake Todd’s hand.

“No hard feelings, Todd” said Rick.

Todd shook Rick’s hand but didn’t say anything.

Outside Todd joined Rebecca and the others and made their over to Nate’s gym. As they walked in, they were greeted by the customary sound of weights being moved around and the muffled din of hype music being played over a speaker in the corner.

“Hey, guys! Can I help you?” said Nate.

“I believe you can!” said Rick. “But, first I was wondering if we could sit down and talk with you for a little bit. I think I speak for everyone here – we’ve got a couple of questions.”

“Let me guess. You’re coming over from Todd’s place, aren’t you?” asked Nate.

Rick looked at him with a bit of an incredulous look on his face. “How did you…?”

“I’ve had several people come over with some concerns. Do y’all want to come in the conference room?” asked Nate.

One of the group members gestured to Rick and told him that he could speak for the group. It was obvious the others were interested in looking around. Rebecca, on the other hand, remained.

“I’d like to be a part of this conversation,” she said.

“C’mon in,” said Nate, as the three of them started over to the glass enclosed conference room. As they sat down, Nate closed the door.

“Do you know Todd at all?” asked Rick.

“We were college roommates,” said Nate.

“Was he talking about his turnstiles back then?” asked Rebecca, sarcastically.

Nate hesitated for a moment. “Todd’s a good man with a big heart,” said Nate. “But he and I differ as far as how to best help people get fit.”

“How do you mean?” asked Rick.

“Fitness isn’t something that you can give someone. Being out of shape isn’t an ailment that you can remedy with a gift certificate or a free jar of protein powder. Ultimately, it’s an extension of a person’s sense of discipline,” said Nate.

“So, you don’t agree with his turnstiles?” asked Rick.

“I don’t agree with the notion that you’re helping someone by suggesting that you can present them with something that can’t be given,” said Nate.

“That’s one of the most sensible things I’ve heard in a while,” said Rebecca. “And I think I understand what you’re saying, but explain it. What do you mean?”

“Fitness is more than just your appearance or your ability to perform,” said Nate. “Like any other kind of success, it has as its basis a mindset that’s resolved to make wise choices and, in some cases, some sacrifices that aren’t especially convenient. While I can provide you a facility and teach you some training techniques and dietary practices, I can’t give you either the resolve or the ambition you need to put those disciplines into practice.”

“But what do you say to someone like Todd who’s determined to give people who can’t afford a gym membership the chance to be fit?” asked Rick.

“Well,” said Nate, “there’s a difference between an opportunity and an outcome. I can’t give you a college degree without an education, just like I can’t give you the status of being an accomplished musician if you’ve never practiced. Todd’s not wrong in wanting to give people the chance to succeed, but there’s a difference between giving them a chance and giving them the result.”

“Well,” said Rebecca, “I would add that you can’t give away something that’s not yours.”

Rick smiled.

“No, I’m serious,” said Rebecca. “Todd’s whole system was based on the efforts of others. There were some that walked through those turnstiles that had no intention of working out or keeping their diet intact. It’s not that they ‘couldn’t,’ as much as they ‘wouldn’t. And, frankly, that’s why I’m here. I got tired of paying into a system that wasn’t helping people as much as it was subsidizing a bad work ethic.”

“You’re preaching to the choir,” said Nate. “Todd and I talked about this a lot. If you want to know the truth, it’s why we didn’t go into business together. I give people who can’t afford their membership dues a break on the amount. Sometimes, I even let them come in for free. But I don’t try to give them something they have to earn.”

“Because they don’t value it, right?” asked Rick.

“It’s more than that,” said Nate. “You can still enjoy something you don’t especially appreciate. I can enjoy the taste of a meal that I didn’t make. But if I want to eat that meal again, I’m either going to be completely dependent on whoever it is that made that meal, or…”

“You have to learn how to make it yourself,” said Rick.

“Exactly,” said Nate. “And I’m not going to learn how to make it myself as long as there’s an option to simply let others do it for me. That doesn’t make me a bad person, necessarily, it’s just human nature to default to the lowest common denominator and the path of least resistance.”

“And Rebecca, I agree with you,” continued Nate. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Todd’s a good man. But when you put yourself in a situation where you decide who gets the handout and who has to provide the handout, you’re placing yourself in a spot that’s vulnerable to corruption and compromise. What Todd is doing is attempting to deploy a Socialist approach to physical fitness and it’s just like Margret Thatcher said, only a little different – it will work until you run out of somebody else’s sweat and muscle. Todd has to be judge and jury, as far as determining who’s deserving, and he also has to ensure that he has resources to distribute. Those turnstiles will cease to make a difference if he doesn’t have motivated members continuing to supply him with the workout capital he wants to give to other people.”

“And when he runs out…” started Rick.

“When he runs out, not only is his little charity done, but his business is going to be bordering on collapse as well,” said Nate. “And the extent to which he wants to pursue this will determine the sort of tactics he’ll use to keep people feeding into the system and, ultimately, keeping him in business.”

“That sounds shady,” said Rebecca.

“Well, if it’s not shady, it certainly isn’t smart,” said Nate.

The three of them sat in a contemplative silence for a minute.

“Well,” said Rebecca. “I’m going to go and engage a capitalistic approach to physical fitness and go work out! Only I’ll be training knowing that I don’t have to give anything up for a turnstile afterwards!”

“Please do,” said Nate as the three of them got up and started heading for the door. “And as long as we’re talking about capitalism, don’t forget to come by my office so I can sign you up as a paying member. I wouldn’t want you to feel neglected!”

Rebecca smiled. “No, we wouldn’t want that…”

Trump’s Star…

Question: If you had nothing to go by other than the things Trump has accomplished as opposed to the enumerable headlines that accuse him of abuses and character flaws, how would that change your disposition towards him as President?

This most recent offense directed towards the President, as far as taking a pickax to his star on Hollywood Blvd and voting to have it removed, represents yet another gesture that appears, not only over the top, but downright nonsensical when you consider the way this man was at one point embraced as one of the most successful business men this country has very produced – now, some of the same people that applauded him are now condemning him on every front they can manufacture.

But, returning to our original question: If you didn’t have access to the way in which the press so incessantly attacks him, how would you rate his administration based on what he’s done?

Economy

Unemployment at an 18-year low, more jobs than job seekers, three million jobs created, the largest boost in worker pay in a decade, bonus checks to three million working class families, consumer and small business confidence at record highs—all of thanks to the Trump tax cuts.

Also, the way in which Democrats will attempt to undermine any kind of tax cut by writing it off as some kind of sinister plot to benefit the rich (aka “tax cuts for the rich”), need to pop the hood and understand that income tax is founded on a proressive scale. In other words, the more money you make, the more you pay in taxes. So, if there’s a 5% tax break than those who make $5.00 will get a reduction amounting to $.25. On the other hand, if you make $10.00, you’ll get a $.50 reduction. That’s where the Liberal analysis stops in order to win votes and influence the masses. It’s the same reduction, but because it’s being applied to different incomes, the Left uses the apparent disparity to accuse the powers that be of creating a tax cut that benefits the rich. The bottom line, however, is that the majority of the tax burden falls on the shoulders of those who command a substantial salary. They pay upwards of 35%. And don’t forget, there’s also Corporate Tax and, in some instances, State Income Tax. So, if you’re heading up a company, you’re paying taxes on your company’s earnings in addition to the taxes you pay on your salary. In short, if you’re among those that make over $200,000.00, your tax bracket pays well over half of all federal income taxes combined. Any tax break that can be extended to those who shoulder the greatest tax burden as well as the one’s who are hiring and producing deserve such a break and any rhetoric directed against them is not rooted in common sense is toxic. For more information, click here.

Our Border

Trump has approached the very solemn duty of protecting the American people by doing what most politicians won’t: actually defending our borders. According to those who are actually tasked with maintaining border security, we’re lucky to catch 40-45% of what actually crosses illegally. Given the stakes, as far as illegal drugs, criminal gangs and terrorists, Trump’s actions should be applauded. Instead, he’s demonized as some sort of cruel warmonger who’s separating families and characterized as someone who disdains immigrants. The families that are being separated are separated because of the parents having chosen to break the law, not because of those who are tasked with enforcing it. And while the rights of immigrants do need to be considered, the rights of illegal immigrants are predicated on the fact that they’re not citizens and are, by definition, criminals. That puts them in a different category all together and to give them any kind of special treatment constitutes a compromise of justice as well as security.

Like most every other indictment leveled against Trump, the charge of being anti-immigrant is founded on a “dirty glacier” approach to journalism / current events. Pictures of crying children and insisting that a travel ban on Muslims coming from nations that sponsor state terrorism equates to a deplorable bias against Muslims in general is nothing more than a desperate attempt on the part of Liberals to remove Trump from office, regardless of the good that comes from making our nation’s security a priority. In other words, for Liberals, it’s not about what’s right or wrong, it’s simply a matter of power. For more information on illegal immigration, click here. And to see the progress that’s being made on the wall itself, click here.

Women’s Rights

This whole topic is an example of the way in which the Left uses words to twist the issue into something that it’s not.

A woman has the right to choose who she wants to be intimate with. It’s not her right to demand that taxpayers finance her contraceptives or her abortion procedures. Trump giving employers the opportunity to decide for themselves what they want to offer in terms of insurance coverage without federal pressure is both wise and appropriate. It is anything but an assault on women’s rights. If anything, it’s restoring to both the taxpayer and the employer their right to choose whether or not they want to subsidize what some might define as immoral and reckless decision making.

What Would It Change?

The Paris Climate Control Agreement, North Korea, the Iran Nuclear Deal, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Tax Reform Bill – there and other decisions and policies Trump has made have moved America forward in some truly measurable ways. Yet, he is, in some instances, literally loathed by people that cling to philosophical and political paradigms that are historically toxic and logically flawed. These are the folks that take a pickax to his star on the Hollywood Boulevard of Fame, these are the people that don masks as Antifa and violently protest, these are the characters that pontificate on talk shows and condemn Trump for the same things that they gloss over when their Democratic champions behave in the exact same way.

There’s more to this contest than just political convictions. And while we want to acknowledge that reality and engage it appropriately, it’s still intriguing to imagine how Trump’s performance would be re-evaluated if the agenda of the press were removed.

What’s disconcerting is that, for some, it wouldn’t change anything.

Q&A

A quick “question and answer” session to highlight the true underpinnings of the Left…

What does a Progressive call democracy when they’re not in charge?

Fascism

What does a Progressive call foreign policy when America’s security is made a priority regardless of who it may offend?

Warmongering

How does a Liberal refer to an economy that is booming when a Republican is in the Oval Office?

Unfortunate

How do Liberals react when it’s decided that taxpayers shouldn’t have to subsidize a woman’s choice to have sex out of wedlock?

An infringment of woman’s rights

What do Progressives call a statement that they either don’t want to hear or cannot refute?

A microagression

What do Liberals call a person who evaluates a minority based on their conduct and character rather than the color of their skin?

A racist

What do Democrats call a public official who acknowledges the very real threat of militant muslims?

An Islamaphobe

What do Liberals call an election that they’ve lost but refuse to concede?

Collusion

What do Progressives call a President who doesn’t retreat when attacked by the press?

Unfit for office

What do Liberals call a person who expects the law to protect traditional values the same that it does the LGBT community?

Intolerant

What do Democrats call a reasonable response to Conservative thought?

Antifa

What do Liberals call an athlete who refuses to stand for the National Anthem and in so doing dishonor the very paradgim that gives them the right they’re exercising in that moment?

A hero

What do Progressives call a situation where everyone gets whatever they want regardless of their work ethic or their character?

Social Justice

And what do Democrats call a President who keeps his campaign promises?

An embarassment

Lou Dobbs on the Trump Presidency

Why is it that anything that translates to something positive in terms of our economy or our foreign policy – if it’s coming from a Republican / Conservative platform – is automatically categorized as false, fake or even harmful?

Meanwhile, the damage done by senseless legislation that was proudly put into place by a Democratic base is written off as either a flawed perspective or a hinderance authored by a Republican? It’s as though Democrats can no wrong and Republicans can do nothing right. Perhaps there are some reading this thread who are even now applauding, thinking, “Finally, someone gets it.”

Here’s what I think:

Obamacare was unconstitutional, it was financially unsustainable and it was a lie on more than one front. You cannot legally force a private citizen to sign up for health care. Auto insurance is different in that you have to be in a place to pay for potential damages done to other parties. Health insurance, on the other hand, is completely up to you. How you choose to pay for your medical treatment is entirely an individual’s decision. Congress can regulate commerce, it cannot create it. This was the issue before the Supreme Court in 2012. Their decision to uphold Obamacare was bogus in that they chose to process it as tax legislation. In addition, Obamacare is engineered in a way where the government subsidizes, either partially or completely, 25 million Americans. That translates to a national debt of over 33 trillion by 2020. Finally, Obama promised that Americans would be able to keep their current health care preferences. That was one lie among several.

Racism has not been as much of a problem since the 60’s. A problem, by the way, as a result of a constituency of individuals who were primarily Dixie-crats. Today it’s center stage thanks to the efforts of Obama who often used his platform to accuse every caucasian of being a bigot. Read the transcript of the comments he made at the funeral of a slain, caucasian police officer for an example.

And to cite racism as something systemic is brilliant. You can then point to something that is virtually impossible to identify specifically while simultaneously gloss over all those things that come down to personal responsibility. Over 40% of minorities dropping out of High School, over 70% getting pregnant out of wedlock – those two figures alone can account for the majority of economic hardships as well as the rampant crime that is so common in lower income urban areas. But no one wants to talk about personal responsibility when it’s far easier to insist that a person is persecuted rather than oppressed by their own lack of morality and poor decision making. And if you think this is all bogus in that it’s coming from a caucasian, feel free to talk with Ben Carson, Larry Elder, Deneen Borelli, Morgan Freeman, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Allen West or anyone else that’s refered to as an “Uncle Tom” by their liberal brothers and sisters.

Finally, since Trump took office, Iran, China, the Middle East and Russia are conversing with American rather than laughing.

Consider Israel’s response to Trump’s decision to tear up the ridiculous nuclear deal with Iran authored by Obama:

“The deal didn’t push war further away. It actually brought it closer. The deal didn’t reduce Iran’s aggression, it dramatically increased it. We see this across the entire Middle East,” Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday afternoon. “This is why Israel thinks that President Trump did a historic move and this is why Israel thanks President Trump for his courageous leadership, his commitment to confront the terrorist regime in Tehran and his commitment to ensure Iran never has nuclear weapons. Not today, not in a decade, not ever.” Futhermore, when Iranian President Rouhani recently threated America, Trump responded by saying, “NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!” Thank you, Mr Trump, for being willing to stand up to the militant Muslims rather than constantly capitulating to them.

In addition, Trump is the first president in decades to get tough with China economically, militarily and in the context of ideology. And China respects him for it, or at least they’re acknowledging him as a legitimate tactition.

Finally, if Putin was betting big on Trump, as far as the way the Left wants to insist that Trump’s election was a result of Russian collusion, he has lost and he has lost big! Since Trump’s inauguration last January, the United States has confronted, criticized, or frustrated Russia in global diplomatic forums, in military alliances, in economic competition, in regional military conflicts, and in prosecuting human rights abusers.

The previous administration had a foreign policy that was founded on the practice of apology and a resolve to look the other way. Trump has done the exact opposite and to be critical of his manner is one thing, but to be critical of his policies define you as someone who would prefer to be an international victim and a domestic ward of the state.

Make. America. Great. Again.

How Can a Christian Support Donald Trump?

On occasion I get asked, “How as a Christian can you support someone like Donald Trump?”

It’s not really that much of a stretch, but it merits a response, especially given the stakes represented by the upcoming November elections, so let’s pop the hood on this and see whether or not a vialble, biblically-based logic even exists.

First off, Psalm 2:1. God is Sovereign. If He’s Lord at all, He’s Lord of all. That means that while the electoral college is making their choice from a human standpoint, it’s the Sovereignty of God that is ultimately at work and whoever occupies the Oval Office is therefore deserving of my respect, my esteem and my prayers. He may be a fool and a fiend (and there have been several), but at no time am I justified in spitting, sneering or raising my hand against him unless he’s doing something that is antithetical to God’s Word. And by that I don’t mean Antifa which is nothing more than militant Democrats upset over having lost the election. That said, as a Christian, I am duty bound to honor the office even if I’m not especially impressed with the man.

Secondly, 1 Timothy 2:1-2. I want to support the candidate that is going to be govern in a manner that will best facilitate “quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.,” specifically in the context of security. From that standpoint, I could and would not ever support Hillary Clinton. Her conduct as Secretary of State in the way she, not only handled Top Secret information, but also her sale of uranium to the Russians (talk about collusion) and the whole Benghazi debacle reveals her as a fool and a fiend that is willing to sacrifice the security of this nation for the sake of her own financial prosperity. However Donald Trump might be criticized in the context of his behavior and morality, his approach to border security, the military and the general good of our country is completely opposite Hillary Clinton and the vast majority of the Democrat party.

Finally, 2 Chronicles 7:14. My future and the future of my children are best guaranteed in the context of a God-fearing nation. 69% (2/3) of atheists identify themselves as Democrats. That doesn’t mean that all Democrats are atheists nor does it mean that all Conservatives are born again. What it does mean is that you have a vast majority of God-denying individuals feeling more comfortable with a liberal dynamic than they do a conservative one and the reason for that is simple: What is often presented as “just” and “compassionate” is promoted in the absence of wisdom (Prov 9:10) and is ultimately revealed as something that gives license to behavior that is as destructive as it is immoral. Unless your philosophical starting point is the Word of God, as it has been historically, then you’re going down a road that is both godless and toxic.

See you at the polls.

Jim Acosta and Freedom of the Press

The standard dictionary definition of “freedom” is, “the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint; exemption from external control, interference, regulation; the power to determine action without restraint.”

On the surface, that may appear to be true. But that definition deployed in the absence of wisdom can lead to a perceived licence to do whatever you want without fear of any kind of consequence. Nowhere do you see this more vividly played out than in today’s application of “freedom of the press.”

Freedom of the press means, “the right to publish newspapers, magazines, and other printed matter without governmental restriction and subject only to the laws of libel, obscenity, sedition, etc.” In other words, the government cannot intervene and prevent you from saying something, apart from some verbiage that represents something illegal in the context of treason, libel (unjust assault on someone’s character), vulgarity, etc. What it doesn’t mean is that you can justify endangering, insulting or offending someone by saying that you’re a journalist and then hiding behind the Bill of Rights claiming that you can say whatever you want and not be held resonsible for the backlash.

The liberal press has been assaulting the character, the performance and the verbiage of President Trump ever since he took office. Not only that, but they’ve targeted his family as well as anyone who works for him including Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

She’s the first Press Secretary in American history that requires Secret Service protection because of the threats that have been leveled against her largely due to the way the media characterizes her.

Rose O’Donnell speculated that Barron Trump is Autistic, the Daily Mail reported that Melania Trump was an escort in the 90’s (they wound up paying 2.9 million dollars in a lawsuit that they lost). Trump himself is constantly demonized and minimized and when he fires back, the reporters respond with a superior kind of indignation, as though they’ve been slighted and the reputation of the press is at stake.

Jim Acosta is one such individual. Take a look at this exchange:

JIM ACOSTA, CNN: Mr. President, did you say that you want more people to come in from Norway? Did you say that you wanted more people coming in from Norway?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

ACOSTA: Is that true, Mr. President?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: I want them to come in from everywhere — everywhere. Thank you very much, everybody.

ACOSTA: Just the Caucasian or white countries, sir? Or do you want people to come in from other parts of the world?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Out.

The last question is so obviously bogus, yet Acosta throws that it out there…

Why?

No doubt, depending on your political bent, you might justify Acosta’s rationale in a manner that might sound vaguely academic. But in the end, it’s obvious he’s simply looking for a way to malign Trump. This is why the substance and the integrity of the liberal press and the Democrat party is so anemic these days. They don’t have a platform other than to remove Trump and the means by which they would facilitate that is…

Childish?

If it were coming from a Middle School yearbook team, you could say its childish. But its not coming from the perspective of a group of seventh graders. It’s coming from a community of liberals who will use words like “freedom” and “justice” and “compassion” knowing that, by default, those words will solicit an emotional response regardless of the subject matter. And it’s because of the way in which those words will position a person’s passion that it becomes fairly easy to promote ideas and campaigns that are fundamentally flawed and, in some cases, devoid of anything ethical, dignified or respectful.

My father used to say that with every freedom comes a responsiblity.

He was right.

And I would add that when you’re contending with someone who refuses to take responsibility for the things they do beneath the umbrella of the freedom they proclaim, or refuse to wield that freedom in a responsible manner, while it may still be a freedom from a legal point of view, it is now nothing more than a weak attempt to absolve yourself of any sort of blame or consequence your words may precipitate.

And that is what “freedom of the press” has become, at least as far as the way the liberal media would use it as the foundation upon which they would build the narratives, the offenses and the character defamation they would categorize as journalism.

As an aside, here’s a partial list of the violence that has been directed towards Trump supporters as a result of the way the media has characterized anyone who supports Trump as a Nazi, Racist, Sexist or whatever title can be seized upon in order to destroy his administration.

Why?

Why?

That’s the question that, I believe, can lead to some real solutions as opposed to political jousting and cultural angst.

Mind you, it’s not a one shot kind of inquiry. It’s a series of investigative questions that peel back the multiple layers of surface elements and reveal what is either a larger picture or a much simpler resolution than what would otherwise be the case.

For example…

Why Gun Control?

Because kids are being shot by armed thugs in schools.

Why are thugs shooting kids in schools?

Pause for a moment…

Is it because they’re armed or because they’re disturbed? Making guns illegal DOES restrict those who regard the law as being an absolute, but it has NO affect on a disturbed individual who’s resolved to commit a murder anymore than drugs being illegal convinces an addict that they shouldn’t be breaking the law by snorting, shooting, inhaling or whatever they feel like they need to do.

Why Universal Basic Income?

Because, according to Barack Obama, there are “yawning disparities” in wealth and education and providing a base income will help these people get the training they need to find better jobs and improve their financial situation.

Why are there “yawning disparities?”

Because many young people growing up in low income urban areas are not getting a quality education.

Why are they not getting a quality education?

Several reasons and you can read more about them by clicking here. There you’ll read how schools are funded by Federal, State and Local tax dollars. The problem, however, is that when you’ve environments that are violent, poverty stricken and out of control, no matter how much money you spend, you never really solve the problem.

Why are the classroom situations so out of control?

Because the kids are out of control.

Why are the kids out of control?

Because their home lives are oftentimes terrible. Inner city kids are typically living in a home where the father is absent which, by itself, statistically translates to a host of dynamics including more likely to be incarcerated and are four times more likely to be poor.

Why is the father absent?

Good question. But whatever the reason, one thing is certain. That question is not answered with a government subsidy or another piece of legislation.

The thing that is so frustrating is that throughout our nation’s history, there has always been a constituency that wants to gloss over the “why” and instead focus on something that doesn’t even come close to a solution let alone a logical response. It may sound good and it may pacify some to an extent. But in the end, it’s pointless if not positively sinister because of the way it makes a bad situation worse and, in some instances, contributes more to the moral and spiritual decay that is constantly eating away at the very foundation that gives people the chance to excel.

Obama is a fool and a fiend as are those who think like him. The solution is not difficult to discover but you have to ask the right questions in order to arrive at the right conclusions. And the first question to ask, typically, is…

Why?