Social Issues – Page 9 – Muscular Christianity

Flaming Arrows of Death

Joy Behar, Bill Maher and Kathy Griffin are some of the comics that come to mind that will say and / or do some truly heinous things when it comes to the topic of President Trump and those who support him. What makes it reprehensible is the way they will sometimes assert the idea that, “…they’re only joking.”

It’s a cheap way to avoid having to take any responsibility for the things that you say. Still, it can be very effective when your audience tends to be like minded.

Even at the Tony awards when Robert Dinero got on the mike and said, “F… Trump.” He got a standing ovation…

In the end, they’re performers, right? To what extent should we take them seriously? Or, how should we respond when they do step over the line and then defend themselves by suggesting they were “only joking?”

I came across this yesterday:

Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” (Prov 26:18-19)

That’s their response, but…

They’re not joking. They’re using their platform to advance a godless agenda that seeks to redefine our country according to a paradigm where the only Absolute they’re willing to acknowledge is the absolute of one’s self.

They use the mantra of “Everyone has the right to be happy” to suggest that everyone has the authority to define what is right and what is wrong.

They spit on the very thing that gives they the “freedom of speech” they’re so quick to assert when they’re being called out for saying something inflamatory by simultaneously saying the Constitution was written by a bunch of racists.

They make a point of evaluating a system by the way it’s abused, they condemn a man for exhibiting character flaws that are somehow completely excused and even applauded when they’re evident in their champions and while members of their political team are selling uranium to the Russians, they have the gall to be indignant when the very ones they are equipping with nuclear resources are supposedly tampering with political Facebook content.

Their rhetoric is a tangled ball of belligerent hypocricy, intentional immorality and a godless lack of personal responsibility.

They are maniacs shooting flaming arrows of death…

And they’re not fooling anybody except the ones that are standing up and applauding.

Unity at the Expense of Truth?

Here’s the quote:

“Beware of those who point out what everyone else is doing wrong rather than point people to Christ. We will never come into the unity of doctrine. We are called to the unity of the Faith. If they believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Holy Son of the Most High God, then they are with us, not against us.”

This is coming from Lisa Bevere, who seems pretty solid and what she’s saying here is definitely on point in that she’s repeating what it says in Mark 9:40 and Titus 3:9 But there are some who might want to take her words and twist them into an admonishment to never speak up in the face of something that is fundamentally wrong.

On The View there was a segment where the guest, Ann Coulter” was talking about illegal immigration. Raven, one of the regulars on the The View, responded by saying that she was taught that if you can’t say something nice, you shouldn’t say anything at all.” The problem with Raven’s rhetoric is that it prioritizes a person’s emotions over what is true and just. Your innocence is defined by your actions and not by your emotions. While the manner in which justice is administered can be debated, your guilt is not something that is adjusted according to your passion.

Here’s what I’m thinking…

Can you imagine what a guy’s life would be like if he attended a Bible study lead by Theodore Roosevelt, King David, Shamgar and Jackie Robinson?

There’s a lot of guys I could potentially choose from, but I went with these guys because of the way their lives leave no room for doubt as far as what it means to have convictions as opposed to opinions, number one. Number two, because they were all very familiar with the Truth of God and not just some edited facts about God. And finally, because they lived out the biblical definition of what it means to be a man.

You could debate all three of those reasons, I suppose, but it’s the last one that really resonates with me because I think the reason a lot of disputes and debates have the momentum and influence that they do is because the Substance of God’s Word has been replaced with one’s “perspective” on God’s Word.

That’s not the way a godly man thinks.

If you took Lisa’s quote and asked King David’s opinion, he would look at you like you’ve got monkeys flying out of your nose. Nathan would never have gotten in David’s grill if he was interested in unity at the expense of Truth (2 Sam 12). That’s not being judgmental or even divisive. That’s being wise.

If you took it to Teddy, consider the way he stood up to the political machinations of his day, the way in which be broke up the trusts and the monopolies. Combine that with the way in which evinced Scripture in his writings and even in the philosophical foundations upon which he based policy and you have yet another epic human being looking at you as though you’re out of your mind.

There’s not much about Shamgar in the book of Judges, but anyone who saved Israel in the context of a single round of combat that pitted him against 600 Philistines with an oxgoad would be all too familiar with the lame and bogus results of a lackadaisical approach to doctrine / discipline. Shamgar’s exploits are to be processed not only in the context of what it must’ve looked like to defeat 600 combatants (Jud 3:31) with a stick but also because there weren’t any swords in Israel at the time (Jud 5:8). That’s what happens when you insist that there are no enemies and no need to identify false doctrine.

And Jackie Robinson…He’s someone I’m just now becoming familiar with. There’s more to his story than what the movie “42” documents. His ability to maintain a calm demeanor in the face of outrageous racial slurs and even death threats was based on his faith and not just his desire to see the color barrier broken in Major League Baseball. A lot of those racial slurs were coming from people in the South who could quote the Scripture that describes how Christ died for humanity out of one corner of their mouth, while simultaneously insisting that certain ethnic groups didn’t qualify as human.

All of these guys reeked of excellence. They were physical, they were spiritual, they were professional – they were everything that you would aspire to in the context of authentic masculinity. And much of what drove them was an enthusiastic willingness to submit and subordinate themselves to the Absolute of God’s Wisdom, Power and Grace as documented in His Word. They didn’t look for loopholes that catered to the lesser version of themselves or compromises that maintained a “comfortable” environment at the expense of a healthy community.

And that’s the difference between reading God’s Word and studying it… It’s the difference between being a male and being a man…

And that’s the difference between living and existing.

Trash can ending…extended thirty second note combo between the toms and the kick…dramatic round of quarter note triplets on snare and… BAM!

Thank you! Good night!

November 10th

Today is November 10th. On this date, in Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1775, it was determined that a regiment of Marines was to be formed and thus the United States Marine Corps was born.

One thing that distinguishes Marine Corps basic training from its other military counterparts is the emphasis on military traditions, customs and courtesies. Not to mention a huge priority placed on military history. Samuel Nicholas, Chesty Puller, Dan Daly and other such names become a normal part of your vocabulary. You learned about the island hopping campaigns in WWII (Bogainville, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Okinawa and Tarawa), the Frozen Chosin and the last offensive campaign in Viet Name was the seizure of the Mayaguez.

JJ DID TIE BUCKLE…the Marine Corps Leadership Traits

“Discipline is the instant, willing obedience to orders, respect for authority and self-reliance, sir!”

Military alignment, six to the front, three to the rear, Irish Pennants, high and tight, snap and pop…

Terms, standards, expectations and all framed around a history that exemplifies the phrase, “first to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean.”

It is honor to have served and it’s especially gratifying to have worn the Dress Blues. Happy Birthday, Marines!

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)

How the Pyramids Evolved From Three Individual Stones

Dr. Roger Davidson Steele is a brilliant archaeologist and is a professor on staff at the University of Birmingham in New York. He recently submitted some brilliant theories as to the origin and construction of the pyramids that are as profound as they are unique.

In order to appreciate his theories, it’s healthy to revisit some things about the pyramids that aren’t necessarily common knowledge.

While there are several pyramids scattered throughout the world, the most popular and, perhaps the most impressive, is the Great Pyramid located in Giza, Egypt. The Great Pyramid is actually one of three pyramids…

Their position matches the belt of the constellation Orion.
Each of the four corners of the pyramids are closely aligned with the four cardinal compass points, within four minutes of arc.
The Great Pyramid consists of 2.3 million blocks – each block weighing as much as 2.3 metric tons
The outside of the pyramid is covered with smooth, white limestone characterized by joints so well constructed that you can’t fit a razor blade between them

How these pyramids were built is still a mystery to contemporary archaeologists and engineers. To make the quandary even more intriguing are the theories that make for a very compelling case that they were used to harness the electrical properties of the earth’s geological core.

Their construction and their purpose may very well have been answered by a recent hypothesis submitted by Dr Steele who suggests that each of the pyramids are actually a result of an evolutionary process that began with a single stone.

His theory is that each of these three stones, over a period of millions of years, transformed and became capable of reproduction and precise construction ultimately resulting in the pyramids that we see today.

Evolutionists around the world are applauding Dr. Steele for what represents a monumental form of validation for Darwin’s theory of Evolution and the way in which it can be observed and now proven…

Dr. Roger Davidson Steele is a fictional character and while there is a University of Birmingham, it’s located in England and not in New York. The theory of the pyramids evolving from a single stone is bogus, but it illustrates just how ludicrous it is to suggest that something as precise as the architecture and the construction of the pyramids could be something that came about by chance. It was “built.” It did not merely “appear” or “evolve” over the course of millennia.

Yet, while it’s easy to recognize the obvious fallacy of believing that a pyramid could be formed by forces of chance, many are willing to accept that a human being – something that is infinitely more complex and transcends the physical and includes the emotional and spiritual as well – this is accepted as legitimate science.

In this illustration, we start with a single stone. Richard Dawkins, author of the book, “The God Delusion,” takes it a step further and insists that life started from nothing. He says, “What I can’t understand is why you can’t see the extraordinary beauty of the idea that life started from nothing – that is such a staggering, elegant, beautiful thing, why would you want to clutter it up with something so messy as a God?”

Perhaps because unless your starting point is an Intelligent Creator that exists outside the boundaries of Time and Natural Law, you have something as preposterous as a pyramid evolving from a single stone.

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.

The NFL Protesters – You Are Not Brave…

Malcom Jenkins is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He tweeted this yesterday before the game:

“Before we enjoy this game lets take some time to ponder that more than 60% of the prison population are people of color. The NFL is made up of 70% African Americans. What you witness on the field does not represent the reality of everyday”

“America. We are the anomalies…”

Why? Why are you the anomalies? Why are the people of color you are referencing in prison to begin with?

First of all, if you’re certain that the reason behind this statistic is that the law enforcement community is prejudiced and embraces every opportunity it’s presented with to either harrass, arrest or kill a minority, then you need to take that to your police department and get a bottom line. Ride with the officers that are on patrol. Take advantage of the offer the San Francisco made to Colin Kaepernick when they offered to let him participate in any simulations or observe their training. Make a point of researching what it is that you’re protesting beyond the headlines that rarely give a full account of what happened when an officer drew their weapon.

Secondly, know a little bit about the history of this great nation. We are the only country in the history of the planet that fought a way to end slavery. While you want to invoke the phrase “systemic racism” at every opportunity, be ready to explain how a system is to blame for 41% of black kids dropping out of High School or how a system is to be held accountable for over 70% of the babies born to the black population are born out of wedlock. Be prepared to elaborate on how the lack of a High School education or the responsibility of having to raise a child while you’re still a teenager doesn’t result in a scenario where your ability to secure a good paying job (in the absence of a college education or a marketable skill), however difficult that may be, is not the problem. Rather, it’s an infrastructure that’s determined to keep people of color poor.

Third, you tend to side with Democrats, believing them to be the true champions of racial equality. Do you know that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was nothing more than a regurgitation of amendments ot the Constitution which were already in place? It was a completely pointless piece of legislation because all of the dynamics contained within were already referenced in the Constitution (13th, 14th and 15th Amendments). And where did those amendments come from? They came from a Republican congress in the immediate aftermath of a war that cost the lives of over 360,000 people, most of whom were white. And by the way, however redundant the Civil Rights Act was, had the Republicans voted in favor of the Act in the same proportion that the Democrats did, it never would’ve passed.

Your indignation would be better directed to those within your community that are perpetuating the crimes rather than the ones who are tasked with maintaining law and order.
You would be wise to consider the whole of American history and not just those headlines crafted by journalists who are more preoccupied with their agenda then they are the truth.
It would be prudent to analyze the legacy of the Democrat party and understand that those who are historically guilty of prejudice and racism constitute a small percentage of our population and are not indicative of the nation as a whole.
And if you still feel like you have a point to make, be smart enough not to disrespect the National Anthem which represents the very paradigm that gives you the right to protest to begin with.

I’m thankful for a President that recognizes the fundamental flaws of the platform these players champion as well as the disgraceful manner in which they go about championing it. If this is the true nature of the NFL – players who waste more than most people make, players who are protected by the very profession they demonize, players who enjoy all the benefits that go along with living in a country that is free – yet decide that they are justified in demonstrating a belligerent disdain for an iconic symbol of this nation and those who died to establish it – you’re wrong, you are not brave and you’re destroying the very stage you want to use to publish your rhetoric.

Frankly, the only thing you’re doing is making it more difficult for any real change to occur.

And what is that change?

Let’s just say it has very little to do with those who wear a badge. It’s got everything to do with the family unit that exists with the inner city. And that comes from Barack Obama. Those who insist that it’s not absentee fathers and blame institutionalize dynamics because it’s easier to pose as a victim and not have to take responsibility for your actions. Head out to Racism – Absolutely Not! to read more.

Bruce Gust SSGT USMC (1981-1990)
father incarcerated my senior year of High School
earned my degree by attending night school six of the nine years I served
make my living as a PHP Developer, a skill I taught myself – not something that was financed or a result of a grant

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.