drawingconclusions

[drawingconclusions]

And I'm not going to have time to really touch on so many other topics such as the tariffs, and such. Granted, there are few who would have the political courage to even the global playing field like Trump. Perhaps he knows that most Republicans would have no interest in doing so after he leaves office. I realize the administration provided a formula regarding the tariffs (which I'd like to tinker with for fun), but I sure hope someone has done their math here. Yes, other countries place unfair tariffs on American products, but as a result of these so-called trade wars, there are a lot of product-based smaller businesses (not me) who are suffering. And someone said that America doesn't currently have the infrastructure in place to immediately be a manufacturing country. This is beyond my field of expertise, so I'll leave the negotiations to the more economically-minded...

[drawingconclusions]

IMMIGRATION PROTESTS & SUCH

Over the weekend I caught just a glimpse of some of the protests against ICE, specifically the ones in Los Angeles, and I have to say, I was wondering when the left’s anarchists would show up. Before you tune me out, hear me out on this, as I’ll cover both sides. My high school English teacher occasionally liked to delve into history during her class, and she once made a statement that for some reason has stuck with me to this day. She said that each new movement is in effect a response to the previous one, whether it’s out of dissatisfaction with a movement’s accomplishments or outright rebellion against prevailing ideology. And I’m left wondering, after so many people were fed up with the Biden administration’s open border policy and supportive of Trump’s promise to effectively deal with criminal illegal immigrants, is the tide of public opinion already beginning to turn?

I won’t defend the anarchy, looting, and harm against law enforcement I’ve seen on TV in the past few days. But something I’ve been wanting to say for some time now is every aspect of immigration policy, every arrest, every raid has to be carried out with absolute perfection. There can be no room for carelessness or sloppiness in such procedures, for the liberal media is ready to pounce at every mistake and even every alleged error. From just a casual watching of the mainstream media’s coverage, I’ve learned about how the military didn’t let illegals use the bathroom during a roughly 6-hour deportation flight, how one military (veteran) was rounded up mistakenly during a raid, and how one mother’s child suffering with cancer was sent away without any medications. (..I do have to address that one. The America I know has always been a magnanimous nation. The very least we could have done in that case was tell the mother, “Look we have to deport you & we understand you want to take your child with you. But we’re going to give you 6 or 8 months of cancer medicine for your child, because that’s what America stands for.” )

The Trump adminstration doesn’t need me to tell them how news coverage from the mainstream media or social media can affect public opinion. And you don’t need me to tell you how there are Democrats who seem more concerned about the welfare of illegal immigrants, especially those who have committed brazen crimes, than they are about the welfare of their own constituents. But let's not give liberals any figurative ammunition in this regard.

As for Trump's decision to bring in the military and the National Guard into L.A., perhaps he's trying to avoid any further destruction or danger to law enforcement, reporters, & innocent residents alike. For those of you who don't know, Trump recommended bringing in the National Guard before the infamous January 6th riots years ago, but Democrats (the mayor of D.C., Nancy Pelosi) who were in charge of securing the Capitol reportedly refused to do so and you know what happened next. Are liberals in favor of more anarchy & destruction? It just boggles my mind why they wouldn't implement preventive measures in such cases. And sure, some are concerned about violation of the Posse Comitatus Act in having military engage in law enforcement activities. I'm not too enthused about having military police the civilian population, and I even wrote briefly on the Posse Comitatus Act here years ago as I commented on the highly questionable activities of local military against me (which they're still engaging in, by the way, LOL!) But if local law enforcement can't stem the tide of rioters & anarchists, something has to be done to preserve the peace.

[drawingconclusions]

STOP THE HATE AND THE ANTISEMITISM

In the past couple of weeks there have been more disturbing antisemitic attacks here in America, and I’ll repeat my past statements that such hatred is completely unacceptable. And perhaps some will finally begin to admit how potentially dangerous certain aspects of the Pro-Palestinian movement have become. When protesters harass & intimidate Jewish students on campus, when such protesters employ chants that are basically a call for the end of the state of Israel, when both the murderer in Washington, D.C. & the attacker in Colorado made Pro-Palestinian statements even after they had killed that beautiful innocent Jewish couple or had sprayed an elderly Holocaust survivor with a makeshift blowtorch, you know that movement has progressed well beyond a civil peaceful protest. I wonder, where are all the liberal voices now, all those who were whining at the Trump administration’s steps to cut off funds from universities who’ve been milquetoast in their defense of Jewish students in the face of Pro-Palestinian campus protests these past years. I’m not fond of more government intrusion into every aspect of our lives, but if a university is receiving billions of dollars in federal funding every year, then the government should probably have a say in how campuses must be a safe place for everyone.

Hatred isn’t a new issue. It’s a human problem that’s been around for thousands of years. Some of you would not believe the amount of prejudice and ignorance out there against various ethnicities & religious denominations. It really is staggering. And a few months ago, I heard a report of Hispanics being threatened with deportation by casual passers-by and another news story revealing that fake ICE uniforms were among the top-selling items on Amazon, likely to be used by small-minded yokels to try to prank or intimidate minorities in this current day and age. But the solution isn’t to have one ethnic (or religious) group be subservient to another as some DEI principles espouse. The Bible already gives us the answer: love others as yourself and treat others like you’d want to be treated. I’ve already touched on this extensively in past posts and don’t have time to cover it again today. You’re more than welcome to review my previous posts, or better yet, you can dive into the Bible and find out what this real love thing is about.

[drawingconclusions]

REGARDING ELON MUSK

When I was a teen, I was acquainted with a few talented coders and tech specialists. And while they were likely brilliant in their fields, they occasionally had the tendency to be very frank and very blunt in conversations. If you've ever seen the very cool series "Scorpion", you can catch a glimpse into how the approach of technically & scientifically savvy people is often a little different from that of others. I won't excuse everything Elon Musk has posted or said, but it would be ungrateful for us to fail to remember how he has helped America (...sending a ship to retrieve the stranded astronauts, providing a means for online communications for those in North Carolina devastated by flooding, propelling our nation into forward-thinking scientific fields). I get it. Musk is the billionaire that the left loves to hate for his outspokeness and embrace of more centrist values. And unfortunately, Elon found out yet again that if you support a cause that liberals despise, they'll go after your livelihood, your reputation, and everything else.

Pastor David Jeremiah touched on the topic of unity years ago, saying God gave the greatest appraisal of human potential in Genesis 11:6 when He said the following regarding the tower of Babel, “If as one people…they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” (NIV) Think about that for a moment. God knew when people walked together in unity they could accomplish amazing things! (Of course the builders of Babel had egocentric & almost God-usurping intent, so He came down and put a quick end to that endeavor...) Working in groups often holds inherent challenges, and sometimes we just have to take a brisk walk to avoid getting involved in a bout of fisticuffs. But even though we may disagree on certain points, we can accomplish so much more when we work together.

[drawingconclusions]

THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS

I'll return to the usual political commentary soon enough. (...and apparently it can't come soon enough, as the military surveillance plane started flying overhead as soon as I began writing this, LOL!) But for now, with so many mourning the passing of Pope Francis this week, I'd like to take a different direction.

Most of you already know I'm not a Catholic. As such, I didn't take note of every political opinion or theological statement that the Pope gave during his tenure. I'm sure I would have points of dissent on various issues, but I'm not going to touch on that aspect of his legacy.

Many have reported on Pope Francis' humility and down-to-earth demeanor throughout his life, with several sharing related anecdotes, such as his insistence on paying his hotel charges, his willingness to carry his own bags, and his decision to not ride in the papal automobile. In a world with so many people madly scrambling for fame & falling over each other for public recognition, it was truly refreshing to see a life marked by such humility and selfless service. In fact, Pope Francis' life seemed quite the opposite of the unwarranted sense of entitlement we see in so many individuals today.

In the same way, Philippians 2:5-11 gives us a portrait of the powerful demonstration of Christ's love for us. The Maker of the universe and the Lord of heaven & earth didn't selfishly cling to his royal titles or demand royal treatment when he was here on earth, despite the fact that he was fully entitled to all the trappings of royalty. Instead, Jesus was born in a stable, He sided with the lowly & oppressed throughout his life, He praised the meek & trusting, and He died an excruciating criminal's death, all for our benefit. (It kind of makes you stop and think about the great value that God places on each one of us, doesn't it? - that the Father would give his own Son and allow him to go through such suffering...)

So thank you Pope Francis for providing us with just a glimpse of the rare humility that Jesus himself modeled. We truly need more people like that today.

[drawingconclusions]

REAGAN AIRPORT COLLISION, part III

The investigation into the tragic airport collision in January when a military Blackhawk helicopter crashed into an American Airlines passenger plane revealed that the military helicopter had been flying above the height threshold allowed for that area. The investigators also discovered that within the past three years, there have been 15,000 near-misses at Reagan National Airport. 15,000! Not 15, not 150, but 15,000.

Which is completely unacceptable. How in the world did this go unnoticed by military or law enforcement for so long? Do these government agencies not debrief after each flight mission? Didn't anyone happen to comment that they almost ran into a plane that day? Just maybe that might be considered important information in order to avoid a potential tragedy in the future.

So apparently my frustration at military sloppiness and incompetence in my January post was well justified. Although I commend those in the Trump administration who have placed severe restrictions on helicopter flights at that Washington, D.C. airport, I'm wondering where are the Congressional inquiries as to the military's behavior for these past years?

---------

I'm out of time for today. So I'll have to leave this post as well as another "Parameters of Government" post unfinished for now. But I don't like leaving on such a dour note.

Remember, whatever you have been in the past, you can be different starting today, starting right now. Your past doesn't have to be an indicator or a predictor of your future. So who will you choose to be?

[drawingconclusions]

DOGE, ELON MUSK, AND TESLAS

If you've kept up with the recent political news in the past several weeks, you're likely already familiar with all the changes that the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is making to the federal government. Some have expressed great enthusiasm for the changes, while others have engaged in their Constitutionally-protected right to peacefully protest against DOGE. Unfortunately, others have resorted to violent crimes of arson & defacing of private property. A few days ago, I even heard that someone had publicly posted a website with the names and addresses of Tesla car owners, as if to imply they are "legitimate targets" for this familiar anarchy. So disturbing.

Bravo to those who are rightfully labeling these criminal acts as domestic terrorism, as there's no place for such behavior in a civilized society. And we would do well to recall these people being targeted are private citizens, both individuals and families, with no affiliation whatsoever to DOGE. What is it about the left that they so often resort to censorship, violence, or anarchy when faced with something or someone they disagree with? (I'm starting to wonder if the criminals involved in this are members of the Antifa set we saw actively espousing anarchy in the last Trump administration. Or maybe they're some of the same ones who resorted to burning cities and businesses after George Floyd's death...) Are the principles & beliefs of the left so weak that they can't hold up to rigorous debate in a public forum? Is that why some on the left hastily resort to censorship or violence?

Do I agree with all of the actions or the methods of DOGE in the past several weeks? No, I don't, but I don't have the time to elaborate on that. I will say just three things:

1) I'm glad DOGE is beginning to coordinate their actions with the specific department heads across these government agencies, as Trump has made some good selections in his Cabinet. Even efficiency experts called to evaluate a business are required to work with management.

2) Perhaps you've heard the adage that people will support what they've helped create. In organizations such as ad agencies, individuals are often given the chance to contribute to a project during a brainstorming session. It can sometimes get a little messy, but often the input people bring to the table can be quite insightful; apart from that, when people have a voice in the output, they're much more likely to stand behind it. I realize the government isn't an ad agency, but consider the fact that some of these government employees are well-intentioned and they have years of working in their fields. Some of the insights they can provide can be invaluable and oftentimes, they can be well-suited for pointing out more efficient methods of carrying out the procedures of their business.

3) In Matthew 26:11a Jesus said "The poor you will always have with you.." (NIV) Jesus foreknew that even today with all of our tech and sophistication, there would still be poverty. I'm not going to get into "Give a man a fish/Teach a man to fish" discussions at this point. However, I would admonish America to continue to remember the poor, whether it's ensuring low-income students have meals or food banks have the support they need. Remember the poor and God will bless you for it.

All things considered, it's high time that America's government is run more like an efficient business. When Elon Musk asked federal employees to list 5 things they've done in one week, I was a bit taken aback. Not because it was an unusual request (but again, such requests should be coordinated with department heads...), but most small businesses or entrepreneurs complete five tasks in just one day or sometimes in even a couple of hours! I understand sometimes employees may be called to work on a long term project where progress seems woefully slow, but some of the reactions to Musk's request sort of make you wonder what some federal employees have been doing with their time.

And there are some very good people in government, but unfortunately there are also a lot of devious, almost criminal people in government, as well. As is evidenced by the fact that apparently a military surveillance plane (characterized by the loud, heavy engine) began flying overhead shortly after I began my posts today, and a cessna-type plane (higher-pitched) also flew by. It's amazing how certain people in government are so afraid of freedom of speech and so afraid of the truth! Which leads me to my next post..

[drawingconclusions]

Hello again. Before moving ahead, I'd like to express condolences to all those who have lost homes and loved ones in the recent storms and disasters. I'd also like to express condolences to the families of the honorable police officers who have lost their lives in the past month. As I've previously written, no police officers should have to lose their lives in a routine traffic stop.

[drawingconclusions]

REAGAN AIRPORT COLLISION, part II

A factual report from Fox News stated the weather information on the day of this collision: visibility extended for 10 miles on that clear night, winds stood at roughly 15 miles per hour with gusts reaching to 26 miles per hour, and the temperature was at 50 degrees. Another article of theirs also stated that the military helicopter acknowledged that they had sight of the American airlines plane, being given permission to fly behind the airplane. Clearly, cold weather and visibility were not contibuting factors here.

So my question is, why in the world didn't this experienced military crew give the passenger plane a wide berth? Why, as a bystander video has shown, did the military helicopter continue flying right towards the airplane as it was approaching the landing strip? Some have questioned the control tower's handling of this situation on the day of, but even if that was a factor, shouldn't pilots use their own judgment if there's a threat to another aircraft? No military training exercise should ever put civilian lives at risk.

I realize it's taboo to even give the semblance of questioning the military, police, or law enforcement in certain quarters in America. But I've seen far too much arrogance and incompetence on their part to remain silent, with just a few examples being the numerous times military or law enforcement craft have buzzed me or attempted to surveil or harass me in ways that put other civilians & structures at risk because of the proximity of their flight path. (Even today, as soon as I began writing this, a military helicopter immediately showed up and flew by my house. And an interesting surveillance plane has been making repeated rounds overhead for most of the day. Are these people so afraid of the questions I might ask? Quite interesting...)

Some of you might think I've gone soft after reading some of my posts over the last few months. Not quite. And I'm not done calling out corrupt, arrogant, or incompetent police, military, or firefighters. Not by a long shot.

Let's wait and see what the corresponding investigation reveals. But I truly hope this avoidable tragedy wasn't due to incompetence or arrogance on anyone's part.

[drawingconclusions]

REAGAN AIRPORT COLLISION, part I

Such a tragedy that took place yesterday when an Army Blackhawk helicopter collided with an arriving American Airlines/PSA Airlines passenger plane in Washington, D.C. Last I heard there were already 64 fatalities. And every single one of those people were more than just a number, more than just a statistic. They were precious individuals full of life and personality, dear to many of us. To those who lost family, friends, or co-workers yesterday, I extend deepest condolences to you. Your loved ones deserved better than a sudden and tragic end in the cold waters of the Potomac.

I realize these wounds are still so fresh in your hearts and many of you are still trying to make sense of your losses. The entirety of the nation grieves with you in this. If you need help in such a difficult time, please reach out to a friend, a mentor, or a clergy person. You don't have to face this alone.

[drawingconclusions]

THE L.A. FIRES

The start of a New Year can sometimes be a less than joyous occasion for some, and the devastating fires in Los Angeles, California are just one example of this. At last count there were more than two dozen lives lost, 12,000 buildings destroyed, and well over 130,000 people who had to evacuate their homes.

And yet in the midst of the tragedy, there are glimmers of hope. Stories of families reunited, a synagogue left standing like a resolute beacon of promise amidst the charred ruins, and neighbors & communities coming together to help & serve each other in this time of distress. In one interview I perused in an NBC broadcast, one L.A. evacuee offered a statement of determination in the middle of the heartach. Despite the ravages of the fire, she bravely stated (paraphrased) that this was not the end, but only a beginning. Not to make light of those who have lost precious loved ones or those who have lost their homes & years of personal belongings, but such bright optimism truly embodies the indomitable American spirit.

It's difficult losing so much, especially in such a whirlwind tragedy that can steal all you've worked for in the blink of an eye. Any consolation I can provide from miles away will inevitably come up short. But please know that America stands with you. We are still one nation, irregardless of our individual politicas and personal beliefs.

(On that note, thank you to Canada and Mexico for their assistance in helping us fight these fires. And on a closing note, I won't delve into other commentary about this tragedy right now. But it's not a bad thing to assess or question preventive protocols and firefighting strategies/budgets on a municipal & state level in regards to wildfires. In fact, continuous improvement can be the government's only response to the serious responsibility of protecting their citizens. The gravity of what our leaders have been entrusted with demands excellence and unquestionable competence. Anything less would be unacceptable.)

[drawingconclusions]

CURRENT EVENTS SUMMARY

My time is more limited with each passing, and I won't be able to write about even a quarter of what I had intended to. But I suppose there is value in simplicity and brevity.

I'm just a little concerned about the 2019 security warnings that weren't heeded in New Orleans in light of the recent terrorist attack there. Reports state that the city had even purchased alternative 700-lb metal barrier devices in 2017, but they had not been implemented. Unfortunately, terrorism is still a current threat in this day & age, and we cannot afford to let our guard down.

There has been talk of using the military to somehow assist in the deportation of illegal immigrants in the upcoming Trump administration, but I must admit, I'm with contrarians such as Senator Rand Paul on this issue. Sure, people are tired of certain criminal elements who have crossed the Biden administration's open borders to wreak havoc here, but there has to be a different way of carrying out Trump's plan, if only for the sake of optics.

And on that note, consider the fact that there are some on the left that would do anything to portray Trump and his administration in a negative light. So in the process of carrying out GOP policies, and especially those regarding illegal immigrants, be sure everyone involved is properly trained and follows commendable processes. All it takes is a few overzealous enforcement officials or sloppy handling of a delicate situation to begin to derail steam for a policy or even quell the public's appetite for what may be a legitimate & necessary procedure.

I was slightly horrified to hear that after Trump's election victory some women were intentionally obtaining medical procedures to prevent childbirth (and some on the left actually encouraged them to do so!). Is this what the left has become?!? Instead of committing to raising a child according to your deeply held values, to one day stand up for their convictions, people permanently cut off their ability to have any children at all. It makes absolutely no sense. Whatever you may think of Trump, whatever you may think of Republicans, let's remember that we are all Americans, and it's essential that we strive for unity in times like these.

[drawingconclusions]

FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE

It's difficult losing loved ones in a tragedy, and sometimes even more so when it's close to the holidays. From the South Korea-based plane crash to the disaster at the German Christmas market to the shootings at two Christian schools to the recent New Year's day attacks, it's been an extremely difficult time for many in these past several weeks. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time of loss and bereavement.

Just when we should be embracing and enjoying family, many of you have been deprived of that gift this holiday season. Yet despite your indescribable hurt and grief, despite your painfully honest questions about the unfairness of it all, I encourage you to hold on for another day. Hold on to life and hope for one more day. And hold on for another day after that. And then for another week and another month. In time you'll find yourself holding on and somehow even thriving for years to come, and you'll outlast your sorrow and suffering. Because life is still worth living.

In the midst of such pain and loss, people will inevitably ask questions about God and his presence, especially when we've seen such senseless tragedies at faith-centered schools, but I don't have all the answers. But I will say this. Despite the prevailing currents among certain Christian schools of thought, Christianity does not ensure a prosperity-filled and problem-free life. Christians will have their share of troubles, and sometimes even more so on account of the fact that their beliefs go against the prevailing ideological grain of a culture.

The virtue of Christianity is not dependent on a person's circumstances. Instead, it's a life that helps you rise above what you're facing. Take a look at this scripture from II Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV) where the apostle Paul describes his inner condition despite the beatings, slander, and imprisonment at the hands of those who hated him for his message of faith: "...dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." It's quite the paradox, isn't it, that despite his many sufferings for his faith, Paul could be so alive on the inside. Perhaps that's why during one of his many times of imprisonment he confidently said to the onlookers, "I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29 NIV) Think about that for a moment. Paul's life was absolutely brimming with peace, joy, and God's presence, so much so that even imprisonment was basically inconsequential to him and his prayer was that others would find the same kind of redemption! I hope and pray that you would come to faith and find such an anchor for your life.

[drawingconclusions]

THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Looks like it's just about time for another post on here, and despite the number of important stories in the recent news cycle, the following will obviously be about the upcoming election. (...hence the completely original post title.)

What an interesting election year it has been thus far, and while it'd be amusing to cover every single nuance & detail of the past several months, time limits me to just writing about the most recent relevant events.

For a few weeks there, I wasn't sure if VP Kamala Harris was running for office or if she was about to drop a new album with the number of musicians & celebrities making appearances with her. (Curious minds would really like to know the genre for the latter...) And of course the Trump campaign has again made some unforced errors & less than savory comments in the past month. (But you do have to give credit to Trump for turning President Biden's recent gaffe (labeling Trump supporters as "garbage") into a marketing win when he rode in a decked out garbage truck & wore a utility worker vest during a rally.)

But I would hope Americans aren't phased by all the fluff of an election year, and I would hope Americans know better than to blindly vote exactly as a celebrity tells us to. Sure, it's a free country and I have no qualms with actors, actresses, musicians, etc. responsibly expressing their support for one candidate or the other. However, people should realize that many celebrities hold beliefs that are vastly different from those of everyday citizens, and it's a good bet that they'll be far less likely to suffer with the advent of economic issues such as inflation or rising gas prices. So remember to vote your conscience and to vote on the issues, as opposed to being dazzled by the fleeting glamour and spectacle. For the most part, many of those celebrities won't be there to bail you out when the chips are down.

And on that note, it often helps to notice who exactly endorses a specific candidate. There were reports that the IRS union (yes, the IRS that collects taxes every year) enthusiastically threw in their support for Kamala Harris. Keep in mind that VP Harris has reportedly promised about one trillion dollars in student loan forgiveness, a government stipend of $25,000 for new home buyers, as well as other government payouts to citizens (as reported by Fox News). All that sounds well and good until you realize that, ultimately, someone has to pay for all those government payouts. Maybe that's why the tax collectors would be happy to see Kamala elected - it would likely mean much more work for them. (...and more taxes for the common people.) That's usually how bigger government (and in some cases, how socialism) works: in the end someone has to the foot the bill for the expansion of federal powers (or for the lavish lifestyles of socialist rulers, as in Venezuela). Keep in mind that this pattern already began during the Biden-Harris administration. A few years ago, they instituted a rule that the government should be notified whenever there's a monetary transaction above a certain threshhold in a citizen's bank account. (If I recall correctly, the initial threshhold was $1,000, but when people complained that basically anyone's bank account used to pay a mortgage would trigger such a notification, the threshhold was raised!) Also, remember how the Biden-Harris administration demanded that anyone earning above $600 for a project or transaction must report that to the IRS. Reports from various outlets outlined how this affected creatives and gig workers alike. I'm of the belief you should report all your income, but you should research how this negatively affected retirees on a limited income. Some were in the habit of supplementing their retirement pensions by selling clothing or miniscule articles on E-bay, but when this regulation was introduced, they quit doing so. It didn't make financial sense for them to have to hire an expensive accountant to ensure they were in compliance; instead, they simply abandoned their side gigs and took their losses.

And I could keep going on for days about the inconsistencies in the Democrats' game plan, so to speak, but again, my time is limited. I've hardly even touched on the economic aspects of this election, but my point is, you should ask the tough questions of your candidates and their stances. (And if the mainstream media doesn't provide the answers you're seeking, look somewhere else. I've previously named a few other news organizations with a decent track record. Check them out.) Will your candidate mandate an electric vehicle or force you to get rid of your gas stove? Does your candidate really support a secure southern border? Will the person you vote for hold China accountable for the huge role it plays in sending deadly fentanyl into our country, fentanyl that has taken numerous precious American lives? (And on that note, whether it's China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, or any other foreign nation attempting to interfere in our voting processes, stay out of our elections. Seriously, don't mess with America.) Will your preferred political candidate flood the economy with money, thereby severely increasing the risk of more inflation? Does your candidate respect freedom of religion or treat it with flippant disregard? Will the person you vote for bog our nation down in endless overseas wars? (It's quite telling how many former military either disparaged Trump or voiced their support for Kamala in the past few weeks. I wonder, would the highly profitable military-industrial machine in America be threatened if a candidate like Trump sought to end our involvement in foreign wars?)

You may have noticed by now that, true to this page's byline, I've leaned mostly conservative in this post. As I've said before, I'm not looking for a position in the Republican party. And I'll be the first to admit that Trump can sometimes be verbally abrasive. But this time around, the GOP platform just makes more sense to me, while the Democratic platform (what little has been revealed of it) doesn't quite hold up to rigourous examination.

In closing, I'm not telling you who to vote for here. Again, do your homework, ask questions, and whoever you you select, if you you haven't already voted, be sure to take time to choose your candidates this November 5th. Voting is a freedom that we're privileged to enjoy in this country.

[drawingconclusions]

HELENE'S DEVASTATION

It's heart-wrenching watching news clips of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene these past few days. People have lost their homes, businesses, & loved ones, and many are still missing and unaccounted for. Our hearts go out to all those in the Southeast affected by this storm.

I applaud the non-profit groups and relief organizations that are already on the ground diligently assisting those in such dire need. As a few have already commented, this isn't the time for partisan grandstanding or political games. I'm not here to comment on the federal government's response today, but I will say, let's quickly & efficiently get help to the people in these ravished areas. I realize some of the disaster zones are located in difficult to reach mountainous terrain with washed-out roads and bridges. But this is still America, right? Surely we can come up with creative ways to reach people with life-saving food, water, & medical supplies. Solutions could include sending key suppies to devastated towns by helicopter or plane (air-dropping or parachuting the crates would eliminate the need for the aircraft to land), sending in drones to scout an area to assess the needs, or providing satellite phones with one or two pre-programmed assistance phone numbers to determine the status of residents in difficult to reach areas.

Unfortunately, natural disasters are a part of life that will ebb and flow with the years. But as a nation we have to get better at anticipating these tragedies and preparing our relief response.

[drawingconclusions]

LOSS AT APALACHEE SCHOOL

Has our society become so bent on violence that it's simply considered a part of everyday life now? Every day we see painful examples of the most senseless hatred and malice. Clearly we're plagued with a moral sickness on the inside, an ill that no pharmaceutical could ever cure. Even with all our technology, we're still incapable of solving the problems of our human nature on our own. And I wonder if social media, with all its claims of bringing us together, instead sometimes serves to aggravate our true disconnect from each other. I've also already written about the dangerous tendencies of artificial intelligence to sever our ties from reality.

Loss is unfortunately a part of our existence here on earth. Sometimes all we can do is grieve together and hold on tightly until the storm passes. Often we're forever changed by our heartache, endowed with a resolute determination to forge our world into a better place as a result. But whether you're grieving the tragedy at Apalachee or you've been devastated by another heart-wrenching loss, you don't need my inadequate words to clutter up your life right now. So allow me to leave you with this passage from Isaiah 51:3 (NIV) -

"The Lord will surely comfort Zion

and will look with compassion on all her ruins;

he will make her deserts like Eden,

her wastelands like the garden of the Lord."

Most people think you have to clean yourself up before coming to Christ. The thing is, God specializes in taking devastated & broken lives and making something beautiful out of them. May God's comfort overflow in your life amidst all the ruin and heartache. And may you follow His leading so that even your barren places may one day bloom again.

[drawingconclusions]

THE SECOND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST TRUMP

Bravo to the field agents who thwarted the would-be shooter this past Sunday. But this was yet another attempt against Trump's life, and so many questions regarding the first attempt still remain unanswered. How could the acting Secret Service director at that time claim the roofs of the buildings in the vicinity were too "sloped" as an excuse for not posting agents up there, when a 70-year old proved he could walk topside with ease? And why did a police officer who was stationed on the roof reportedly leave his post without securing anyone to replace him? Granted, the high temperatures clearly would require shorter shifts in such a position, but it's mind-boggling how no one planned ahead for this. And why was the magnetometer station not being manned by agents, as the suspect had been reported as acting suspiciously at that specific area?

And this week, the left-leaning would-be assassin was able to camp out at one of Trump's golf courses for 12 hours without anyone noticing! The new Secret Service director hinted that this was (paraphrased) an unscheduled event for Trump, but how in the world did the attempted shooter know to wait there for him for half a day? It's concerning how some authorities used drones to remotely check the body temperatures of citizens during the pandemic, and yet in this case, authorities couldn't be bothered to deploy a drone with an infrared camera over the golf course to check for possible threats. And it's also disturbing how law enforcement didn't take into consideration the history of the location where this occurred. It's apparently a well-known secret that news photographers can routinely find places to hide out around the golf course without any difficulty. Perhaps it's well past time to make some serious landscaping changes there, for the sake of security. And someone might consider having all photographers check in first before entry - anyone else hiding out would be considered a threat.

And yet despite this recent threat against Trump, some Democrats insist on continuing to spew hateful rhetoric towards him. Look, I understand that Trump can often speak his mind to a fault and the past two weeks contained some noteworthy unforced errors on the part of his campaign. (Can we please stop repeating hearsay on the campaign trail? The person supposedly responsible for starting these rumors about Hatians & people's pets in Springfield, Ohio reportedly admits she obviously goofed. Unfortunately, gross assumptions and false accusations are all too common when it comes to even those of us who are legal immigrants. However, that's a post for another day...) But in America, we should be able to exercise freedom of speech (even disliked speech) without fear of retribution or, in this case, fear of assassination. So when some on the left continue to display callousness towards those concerned about these assassination attempts or when Democrats continue to portray Republicans as threats to democracy & such, it makes me wonder if all this is simply part of the left's political strategy. If a political party can't win an election based on the merits of their beliefs or policies, will they resort to the most extreme and machiavellan practices?