Absolutely Ridiculous

This blog has been idle for awhile now.  Being a-political in such a politically divisive climate, silence seemed the best plan for a time.  I've been working on other writing projects, but I just took a break from politics.  G.W. was just beginning his second term when I began this blog.  I didn't agree with a number of his decisions, but I felt the freedom to openly write my perspective, even when I disagreed.

The Obama administration really slowed down my blogging, as I would have obviously lost my a-political objective.  I was doing radio through some of his administration and the pressure against free speech was gaining strength.  I stayed busy writing in other areas, doing my best to keep a few things actually in print, as digital history can be changed with the click of a mouse.  I knew 2012 was the last election as we'd known them, and 2016 proved to be an election like none we'd seen before.

I didn't participate in the actual election, and as is repeated ad nauseam, "if you don't vote, you can't complain."  Fair enough, I'm not really even going to talk about the current administration, but I've got plenty say about our digital media.  As a writer, I believe genuine news articles should not read like an article from the Enquirer.  There is entirely too much bias as well as too many extraneous, irrelevant details or comparisons; while pertinent information seems often omitted.  Most news articles seem to focus on "the potential wedge," then proceed to build an article around it.     

The perfect example to remain true to my a-political perspective are the recent articles of the Christmas decorations in the White House.  Melania receives very poor treatment from some of the media.  I'm guessing there are some female executives in the newsroom that are just green with envy.  If she was the other party, she'd be the media's darling and on the front of every magazine.  Melania Trump is a beautiful woman, clearly with her own style, which she wears well.  So why are the headlines usually so negative and the magazines so silent?  I can't speak for anyone else, but it really does come across as jealousy.

I didn't vote for her husband . . . I didn't vote against him, either.  I also don't celebrate "Christmas," but what in the world?  Was it just a slow news day or is the media really as negatively programmed as it would seem?  The following headline was on my Yahoo news page, and according to Google, a couple of other news sites picked up the story and ran it as well.  To actually write an article about negative social media comments while providing quote after quote, I think exceeds the gossip mag/rags.  A "news article" with the focus being: twitter comments!

Melania Trump slammed for showing off 'historically ludicrous' Christmas decor while children are tear-gassed at border: 'What a great way to start the holiday season'

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/melania-trump-slammed-showing-off-historically-ludicrous-christmas-decor-children-tear-gassed-border-great-way-start-holiday-season-164243278.html

https://www.aol.com/article/news/2018/11/26/melania-trump-slammed-for-showing-off-historically-ludicrous-christmas-decor-while-children-are-tear-gassed-at-border-what-a-great-way-to-start-the-holiday-season/23601584/

Why the big hoop-ti-la over Melania decorating the White House for Christmas?  Then to bring together the issue at the border with Christmas decorating seems like a real stretch.  America is a war-mongering nation!  Historically speaking, America has been at peace less than 20 years since it's founding, yet the White House has been decorated and Washington DC continues to hold gala events through the years, regardless of military action.  Nobody faulted Lady Bird for decorating for Christmas while the men of my generation were dying in Viet Nam!  The Johnson girls and the Nixon girls all had beautiful weddings through their father's presidencies which also included years of war. Actually, Julie Nixon's wedding took place between his election and his inauguration, but her sister's wedding took place in the Rose Garden.

This disrespect toward Melania is just wrong, and her response in just rising above it, makes her look that much better.  Nobody faulted Nancy Reagan for inviting Jean Dixon to the White House or for decorating for Christmas while her husband did everything he could to avoid the Middle East.  And while we're at it . . . we've been in Iraq and Afghanistan since just after the turn of this century, but the media didn't attack the Obamas for holiday decorating and the media was very supportive of the rainbow lighting on the White House . . . while we were at war with Isis.  I realize there were some negative remarks made about Michelle Obama, but she has been generally treated well by media and was on more than one magazine cover. 

I can't remember a time when America was so disrespectful toward a First Lady.

I feel badly that there are children caught in this battle of the border, but that is not Melania's fault. That fault lies at the feet of their parents.  If you're going to do something illegal, don't bring your children and don't use them as a human shield.  How hard is that?  If I was going to commit some sort of felony, I wouldn't have my child in the get-away car.  If someone is "brave enough" to break our immigration laws, then why not use that courage to change their own country?  To disregard our border is a choice these people, reportedly, have much time to consider and reconsider.  Forcing one's way into a country is not called seeking asylum or immigration, it's called:  invasion.

Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.  Torah of Holy Scripture

The Handwriting On the Wall

Regardless of how this Senate hearing for the Supreme Court nominee turns out, we the people are losing . . .

If Dr. Ford's testimony causes Judge Kavanaugh to lose the appointment, it will be official that we, as citizens, are no longer presumed innocent until proven guilty.  If Judge Kavanaugh does receive the appointment to the SCOTUS, Dr. Ford has set us back 60 years in regard to reporting sex crimes.  Not to mention how much trafficking will likely be ignored, now . . .  The fact that our government now amounts to little more than a political circus is sad.  This entire mess was orchestrated to cause emotions to soar, at this late hour.  American politics is now adrenaline driven.

We may also be looking at the end of the statute of limitation . . . especially for unprovable allegations that are not prosecuted.  Even if the allegations are true, it's been far too many years to prosecute, yet a person's reputation, career, and ultimately their life can be ruined.  The court of public opinion can be merciless.  I understand the concept of repressed memories, but she claims to have spoken of the matter back in 2012. 

As for the FBI investigation.  Everyone knows this is a red herring, at best.  This is the same agency that didn't bother to investigate a high school dropout making threats, who actually followed through on those threats at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.  This is nothing more than a stall tactic or flare for a bit more drama.  Now that I've read the responses to the report, it's clear that the division still stands.  For those who oppose Judge Kavanaugh, the investigation was not thorough enough and it's satisfactory for those who were already set to confirm him.  There are three Senators (undecided) who are enjoying their 15 minutes of absolute power . . .

Isn't it interesting that Judge Kavanaugh's integrity is in question based upon a single accusation from several years ago.  There have been no complaints throughout his career.  This is not a criminal matter, but he stands to lose every thing, if there is a problem.  Let's also consider the integrity of the people judging his integrity.  I believe these senate hearings are the very definition of paradox.

There's no way for America to come out of this, because either way, we the people are at serious odds over this situation.  Let's face it, nearly everyone had their mind made up as soon as the news broke, based purely on political affiliation.  We the people didn't need an advise and consent hearing.  Besides, I think the decision has already been made.  I do have to wonder, though, what else has been going into place while this has mesmerized the nation.

America, we're slipping and slipping badly.  The workings of our government should not be comparable to a season finale of Dallas or a Jerry Springer show.

"And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.  Prophet of Holy Scripture

Consistency

In making several changes as of late, one thing remains the same.  This blog has never had the reputation of presenting a politically correct perspective, and that consistency shall remain.

In all the legal drama this country is facing from the LGBTQetc. . . community regarding same sex marriage, cakes, venues, and flowers, one judge has reminded us, there is still a first amendment that not only protects the gay community in their statement of free speech, but cake decorating is an art that is also protected by the first amendment!

A same-sex couple filed a claim against Tastries Bakery saying the owner would not make their wedding cake because of religious beliefs. (KBAK/KBFX photo)

The first court battle caught my attention a few years ago, against Jack Phillips in Colorado, before same sex marriage was even legal in the state!  This is truly how outrageously it all began.  A business man was literally persecuted for not creating a work of art for an event that he does not believe in, and was not legal in the state in which he does business.  Now, how did the spin take place to make it a situation of discrimination when the two men could not legally get married in Colorado?

The second case was truly sad, in that two women sought out this small family bakery to bring destruction.  So far, they've succeeded.  Now, what has that done for their cause?  Before this particular incident, I wasn't pro-gay and I do believe Scripture teaches against same sex unions, but I was of the ilk, "live and let live."  I'm fine with someone who chooses to disagree with me, and doesn't want my beliefs to affect their way of life; as long as that is a two way street.  As an independent small business owner, when a fellow entrepreneur is targeted, I take note.  "Sweetcakes by Melissa" was not protesting gay marriage, the bakery simply did not want to participate in a gay marriage!  That should be an obvious difference for those who choose to incorporate logic in their perspective.

These situations have needed some logic for some time and I'm glad to see there is finally an appreciation of the artistry of cake decorating.  Wedding cakes are usually the secondary focus of the wedding, second only to the bride.  To order a specially designed cake is absolutely expecting a work of art!  If any of these couples felt otherwise, they could have gone to their Walmart bakery, just picked up a tiered cake, and added their special topper, but they wanted a hand-made, uniquely designed work of art.

I find it difficult to believe there are no other bakers who wouldn't have been more than happy to design a unique cake for these couples.  I'll probably say this wrong, but I would think the gay community would be as cohesive as any other group that wants to support their people.  Whether it's a gay baker or a baker that had no religious objections, I'd think they'd want to support those businesses, rather than target those who would rather not sell their art for something they don't believe in.  When those two men set out to destroy Jack Phillips, and those two women targeted the Kleins, that spoke volumes as to underlying intent and truth be told, I would venture to say, actually lost support for their cause.

My thought on this matter is pretty succinct.  These people who have targeted independent business owners, must be so unhappy in their choices, that they have to spread the unhappiness and destruction.  I'd guess these bakers truly do have lives that bring out the "covet" in folks who perhaps don't have contentedness.  Most dissatisfied customers just take their business elsewhere, rather than attempt to take the business.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.  Torah of Holy Scripture

Dare We Question Boldly?

In a society of text codes and agency initials, isn't it interesting that Conspiracy Theory and Critical Thinking both have the same initials?  Not to mention "Controversial Topics, Chem-Trails, and Creation Therapy."  It would seem Conspiracy Theory became a common term in our society about the same time the concept of Critical Thinking was pretty much eliminated in our general culture . . .

Although weaning myself away from my political addiction did take some time, I have to credit former President Obama for my distancing from political posts.  Disagreeing with him, always came with some sort of negative label, that really amounted to nothing more than character assassination.  Whereas; disagreeing with G.W. was just politics, as usual.  It troubled me greatly that we had actually elected an administration that could not be disagreed with, or even questioned; yet was supported by so many Americans.  That sign of the times took awhile to process . . . and once I did, writer's block ensued for a time.

Now that the format has changed in the periodical published from this source, Contemplation of Preponderance will be used to present various topics that are either controversial or considered conspiratorial.  We'll do everything we can, here to use our own critical thinking skills and encourage the same in our readers.  We do not have to agree or disagree with every topic based upon our political or religious affiliations.  Sometimes, even often . . . the majority is wrong!

Before launching, fully into this new direction of "conspiracy theory," I thought I'd see what Wikipedia had to say about the subject.  So, here we go . . . first paragraph:
"A conspiracy theory is an explanation of an event or situation that invokes an unwarranted conspiracy, generally one involving an illegal or harmful act carried out by government or other powerful actors. Conspiracy theories often produce hypotheses that contradict the prevailing understanding of history or simple facts. The term is a derogatory one.

I wanted to include the Etymology, as the dictionary definition, as well as the history is quite telling.  Historically speaking, it's apparently a fairly new phrase, which was used quite sparingly and considered somewhat neutral, until the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.  The early neutrality of the term is argued, but for the most part, conspiracy theory was not a term of general use until the CIA coined the phrase to discredit those who doubted the official version of JFK's death.  Apparently it was through the sixties, "Conspiracy Theory" became the negative term to officially replace "critical thinking," and has gained traction, since.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines conspiracy theory as "the theory that an event or phenomenon occurs as a result of a conspiracy between interested parties; spec. a belief that some covert but influential agency (typically political in motivation and oppressive in intent) is responsible for an unexplained event". It cites a 1909 article in The American Historical Review as the earliest usage example, although it also appears in journals as early as April 1870. The word "conspiracy" derives from the Latin con- ("with, together") and spirare ("to breathe").

According to John Ayto, the phrase conspiracy theory was originally a neutral term and acquired a pejorative connotation only in the 1960s, with an implication that the theorist is paranoid.^[10] Lance deHaven-Smith has similarly suggested that the term was deployed in the 1960s by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to discredit John F. Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories. Robert Blaskiewicz rejects such claims, asserting instead that the term has always been derogatory and pointing to examples demonstrating that this has been so since the nineteenth century.

As we present various topics in this publication, I must reiterate, we have become a society of filtered, yet flooded information which has served to often divide and distract "we the people" from what I consider to be the true issues that are of actual concern to us.  I will use the assassination of JFK to make my point.  

The Report of the Warren Commission has been doubted for over 50 years, movies suggesting the potential mendacity of the report have been made; yet the Report remains the official historical account.  The fact that our nation has continued to politically divide since the sixties, only serves to prove, we actually lost site of the fact our President was gunned down in front of thousands and nearly 60 years later, we know that we still don't who did it.  We've accepted, while doubting, not only the official report, but the general distrust of every aspect of official authority!  The distrust and mistrust has grown exponentially.    

The programming is strong and relentless.  Many are afraid to question the government, while others are ashamed to believe what we are told.  The solution?  

The Bible is as current as today's headlines and definitely accurate! 

G-d is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?

Time for a Change

I've been doing this blog for several years now, and although I refer to it as, a-political, it is political, it's just anti-partisan . . .  I think both parties are working together, against "we the people!"  Yet, I digress . . . The format of this blog is changing to align with the format of the new periodical that will replace The Goshen Gazette.

Our Heavenly Father has led me to be more specific in the information I publish, which is specifically; holistic wellness.  We need to get healthier and for that to truly happen, we need to get healthy from the inside out . . . We are not bodies with a spirit; rather we are spirit with a body.  Thus our health, wellness, and lifestyle must reflect a new direction to receive the health and wellness we need for the lifestyle we were created to enjoy!

In this new direction of health, we all undoubtedly have room for improvement in probably all areas of life, but I believe we should begin with the spirit.  We need a relationship with our Creator.  There is One way to begin that relationship and that is through His Son, then to follow His Son, we must seek His Word.  The Word is metaphorically compared to food, and The Spirit to water, Living Water.  In the Beatitudes, Messiah said, "blessed are they who hunger and thirst . . ."  Sadly, many of us are so busy in the cares of everyday living, we are starving our spirits.  We need time to be replenished, restored, and refreshed.  In the Word daily, and remembering Sabbath, not only strengthens our spirit, but refreshes our mind, and restores our body.

We also need to have some "disconnect" time from the world and headlines.  Current events are enough to drag most any sane person down.  The news is one horrific headline after another, with advertisements for pharmakeia.  No wonder our society spends so much on health care, while staying so ill!  Bad news, bad medicine . . .  When we get things in the right order in our life, our information will be filtered by the Holy Spirit before we let our mind dwell on it, and we'll desire better subjects upon which to ponder.  Philippians 4:8 comes to mind.

Fad diets come and fad diets go . . . What a person truly needs is a healthy, balanced diet of real food.  With GMOs and prepackaged everything, real food is becoming more difficult to find.  Then there is the whole clean and unclean issue, but that will be for another blog.  The best way to know what you are eating is to raise it yourself.  I realize everyone cannot have a full garden, but even one improvement will be valuable, and that leads to the next phase of physical health, which is exercise, and what I call "dirt therapy."  Scripture tells us, we were created from the dust of the earth, and there is something very therapeutic about having our hands in the dirt.  In just, even a bit of gardening; while getting our hands dirty, the activity level, Vitamin D, and fresh air is increased.  Last and certainly not least, in our quest for improved health, is proper rest.  Sleep is basic to each of us, but rest is important.  The proper rest not only includes a decent night's sleep, but a day of rest.  Many times in Scripture, the Sabbath is mentioned, as a day set apart from the other six days.  Resting on Sabbath is as important to our bodies, as "charging time is for our smart phones!"

I can't do a thing about the direction of America, as it has been prophesied.   Voicing my disdain for our political smoke and mirrors isn't really doing anyone any good, and my season of venting has come to a close.  This blog is moving on to a higher purpose . . .
American politics will be American politics until America is out of business, either by way of being part of the One World Order, or the Harlot of Babylon up in smoke!

Come now, and let us reason together, saith YHUH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  a Prophet of Holy Scripture