Donald Trump’s Devil’s Deal

“The Art of the Deal” negotiated from hell!

When will “real Americans” stand up—sans political party affiliation—and do what’s right for America?

From the beginning—in 2015—most of us knew that a racist, pathological lying narcissist was running for the highest of the land. And most of us knew—he would make a mockery of it and he has.

From making “Faustian” deals with the White Evangelicals to the brain-numbed Republicans, a deal was made with devil. The “Art of the Deal” was to negotiate giving him cover for whatever he wanted to do, and they did, including allowing Putin’s influence to reign in the White House.

He told the churches, he’d get them whatever they wanted as long as they provided him with superficial “religious” cover—just enough to fool the gullible—and they did, according to Reverend Ron Schenck in a CNN interview. I’m sure, if Republicans were truly to be trusted and showed any integrity at all, they would probably say the same thing and even if we don’t know for sure what was said to them in 2016, we see the results: tax cuts for the rich, nothing for the poor; Betsy Devos serving as the Secretary of Education when she knows nothing about public education and therefore, all American students suffer for the payment she made to Donald Trump to destroy public education. Immigrants lost—they are no longer wanted in the United States—a bigoted stain of ugliness we may never be able to shed.

“What do you have to lose?” he asked of black voters. Well, we have lost so many lives that I do not dare attempt to name them or this essay will be far longer than I originally anticipated. With all of the brutality shown by some police officers against black people—more than ever, we have to vote for people who see us as people and will do the right thing, no matter what the political party affiliation is—Black Lives Matter—whether they’re Democrat or Republican and no one should be allowed to get away with snuffing out their lives simply because of hate. Now, this doesn’t mean that everyone else’s life doesn’t matter, but specifically it means that we all recognize that all life is important, but when it comes to Black Lives, it would appear that officers in certain police departments are members of the KKK or some other White Nationalist group and they demonstrate their loyalty by killing us and laughing about our cries that, “I can’t breathe.” We are not people to them. We do not matter to them. Donald Trump gave white officers the green light to take our lives—without fear of consequences.

He duped the LGBTQ community by ignoring the needs of the trans members and denying their right to serve in the military or receive medical care for their transition. Religious fodder that made the Evangelical community grunt with satisfaction and greedily beg for more—disdain and disregard of our fellow human beings.

The Hispanic community fare no better than any other group of non-white Americans and many of them still support this inept bungling menace. He turned his back on Puerto Rico during one of the worst times of their lives and thought tossing paper towels at them like they were some sort of game show contestants.

To say that Donald Trump is an ignorant son of a gun (my mother raised me right) would be an understatement. He has proven time and time again just how ignorant he really is—from not knowing historical facts almost every fifth grader knows to deliberately and calculatingly turning back consumer protections—designed to keep us safe. As a result, when the Coronavirus Crisis hit the shores of America, we were woefully unprepared because the “stable genius” ignored the warnings from the WHO and China. His ego would allow him to admit he didn’t have a clue and when the experts repeatedly made it clear he knew nothing, he stopped heeding their advice and as a result, as of this writing, America has lost over 134K people to this virus. Had he one ounce of dignity, integrity, or empathy, many of those lives could have been saved, but no—his ego and his desire to be re-elected is far more important than human lives.

There is some hope on the horizon, and it does not come from the federal government or anyone in the White House. The beacon of hope America has lies in the intelligence and willingness of its governors to do what is right for their constituents. Leading the way, Governor Cuomo, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer—Michigan’s own, “That Woman.” There are others, but these two refused to give into the egotist’s noise and did everything they could to save lives which included, total lockdowns (except for essential workers) and daily briefings as they disseminated the data for all to hear and understand. Yes, the economy took a hit (but Wall Street rallied), but the loss of lives could have been worse had it not been for the stance taken by the governors who refused to cave to the bullying from the White House or other Republicans. Our heroes—and they deserve to be called heroes—are the governors who put people before profits and dared to mandate protocols to keep everyone safe—wearing a mask, social distancing, and making sure hands were clean. Its commonsense approach is still shunned by the idiots, but some of those idiots—learned too late, that wearing a mask, saves a life. Some of those who raised the loudest ruckus, are no longer counted among the living.

I’m sure I haven’t said anything that most attentive people don’t already know, but I felt  the need to reiterate some of the travesties we’ve endured because some people—just didn’t understand—elections have consequences and we are all suffering from those consequences. We have another presidential election on the horizon. I hope the gullible have learned their lessons and will vote for the people who care about them more than money, who care about children more than money, who care about our military more than Putin. It is not about party affiliation—it is about voting for the people who understand the Constitution, will keep their oaths of office, and stand up for all Americans—just doing what’s right, rather than what is political.

If we want this Devil’s Deal to end—everyone eligible to vote—must vote Blue for every Democrat on ballots across the nation so we can move forward and clean up the mess and the stench left in the White House. We can do this. I know we can. I am going to do everything I can to remind people, daily, until November 3, 2020—our voice and vote matter and if we look to a future that includes us all—we will vote Blue.

Come on Michigan Women of Valor! Come on American Governors! Come on American Voters — let’s end this deal with the devil!

 

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Russia, Russia, Russia!

Now, do people believe that Donald J. Trump is a Russian asset? Those of us who had already figured it out, feel vindicated in our stance trying to warn others that Russia was running our government. Of course, I don’t expect Trumplicans or MAGAts to believe anything that doesn’t flow from trump’s mouth or the liars on Fox News, but hey, at some point, probably when they need to start speaking Russian, they’ll figure it out. But that’s their problem. They can all go exile to Russia and be happy. But the rest of us–who are more than the 38% of those who support the Russian, know who’s who in America and we know–trump is not a loyal American, but a Russian plant.

In order to keep people unfocused, trump has pushed for and allowed the government shutdown–is it to make sure Putin has time to worm his way in and supplant American workers so they’ll have control over our resources and assets and infrastructure? Well, is it? I’m sure the FBI knows, but every American–true Patriots–should feel the hair rising on the backs of the necks because trump truly is a national emergency and we need to remove him for the safety and security of our nation.

Will our impotent GOP Congress finally do something for America instead of for trump? We may never know. DOJ has to do its job and file charges of treason against trump and any of the GOP who have been complicit in their attempts to dismantle our government by interfering with the election process–across the nation–with attempts to suppress voters’ rights or infringe upon their ability to vote. We are America! We are Americans! And America is governed by Democracy–not Democrats or Republicans, but Patriots who respect our Constitution and understand the importance of maintaining our Sovereign Republic for all Americans.

I challenge every trump supporter to ask him, point-blank–why he chose Russia over us. I wonder if they really understand that the Russian Asset has sold them out, too. They don’t matter to trump as we can see from his stance about a wall that won’t deter anyone from trying to get into this country. The gullible, hateful,  and fearful bigots are so easily led down a merry path of treason and they’re too foolish to even know, they’re being led to slaughter by their low IQ leader.

If a person hasn’t taken the time to speak up before now–to acknowledge America is in a Constitutional Crisis and we must find resolution and the answer is not Pence or any other Republican–ever again, since we know, they cannot be trusted to safeguard American interests, they may never get the chance to express their thoughts about the matter. White Evangelicals are also responsible for this mess since they lied to their congregations about “God putting trump in the White House.” God is not concerned about who is in the White House, but He is concerned about those He loves–regardless of political affiliation because those of us who believe God, know He operates out of love, not hate.  I am so sick of “so-called Christians” adding to the fearmongering we get from the White House. I know they’re not true Christians because they don’t function out of love, but hatred and fear, especially since they’re supposed to believe that, “perfect love casts out fear.” There is no “fearmongering employed by Jesus” in the Bible.

Where do we go from here? I suggest we all pay attention to all the information we have access to and not just Fox News who never tells the truth about trump on any level and know what our options are. We do have options. We can descend up Washington, DC like the locusts during the plague or we can sit back and twiddle our thumbs while democracy crumbles. It’s up to us. Don’t believe me? Let me refresh your memory–

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Who is the people? Those of us who are Americans, citizens of the United States, have an absolute right to hold those we elect accountable to abiding by the Constitution of the United States. If we don’t hold them accountable, we become complicit in American’s demise and eventual subjugation to other countries–especially our adversaries–like Russia.

In spite of all the hogwash being perpetuated by some, regarding the fact Democrats “were” the party of slaveholders–which is true, but it is also true that the Republican party’s ideologies are more in line with the Democratic party of old. It is the Republican party who wants to control others while the Democratic party wants to liberate the spirit in every citizen, freeing them to achieve all they can achieve, shoring up equality for all and making sure that access to education, healthcare, and earned benefits (for veterans and senior citizens) are available to and for all–without discriminating practices hindering anyone from becoming all they can.

We have a reached a time–since the trump candidacy and time in the White House in which we must sure we are on the right side of history. For all that has been done and all that will be done will surely be written in the history books and when our grandchildren and great grandchildren ask us what we did to keep democracy working in America, what will we say? I’ve worked diligently to support all Democratic efforts to elect those who care about all and am now, still exploring the possibility of a Presidential Run, even the field is expanding with potential candidates. No matter what I end up doing, I know for a fact that I’ve been on the right side of history–warning people about the danger of electing trump even when people didn’t believe me, and I’ve maintained a stance to keep people aware of what’s going on in our country–continually–even though some have accused me falsely of perpetuating a lie. I’m not a liar, but there is a pathological liar currently residing in the White House and he’s not there because I voted for him. Can you say the same?

If in fact, our planet still exists in the next 50 years–the historians will prove who was right and who was wrong. Since I’m already beyond the halfway mark of a century, I’m sure I won’t be around to see it, but my grandchildren and their descendants will be. I’m acting on behalf of those I love because I want them to breathe clean air, drink clean water and not have their food supply contaminated by toxins in chemicals used in our soil.

Russia is here–in the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania, Washington, DC! Will we continue to allow Russia to govern this great country or will we stand up and fight back to maintain and sustain our Democracy? We are Americans, so let’s act like the Americans who fought in revolutions who at every turn, refused to back down from the liberty we sought and we will not do so, now!

 

Presidential Qualifications

According to the constitution–there are only a few qualifications a person must meet in order to run for president in this country. They are:

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.

Therefore, if we’re going to be real and factual, our claims (including mine) that trump is not qualified to be president are not necessarily true–according the requirements as written. Apparently, the founding fathers didn’t think far enough ahead to anticipate the menace we now have in the White House–who certainly is not fit to hold the office. Ah ha! The difference between being qualified and being fit is exposed on a daily basis.

So, now how do we determine a person’s fitness for the office?

I’m not convinced that a person has to have held an elected position prior to running for president or be rich or have a well-connected family name. I am convinced that anyone running for the office of president should have a genuine concern and desire to serve all the people in the United States and not just some of them. Therefore, based upon what we’ve seen, the current Oval Office resident is only concerned with establishing policies that benefit the rich and campaigning to appease his base (40%) of the American population. And because people were so foolish to not vote because their candidate didn’t get the nomination in 2016, here we are today, in 2018, trying to figure out how we get out from under the oppressive, authoritarian mess that now exists.

The one bright spot to the traitor’s election is the fact that people–from all walks of life–have felt impelled to run for office and that’s a good thing. Complacency has taken a back seat to the horrors of what we now face as a nation.

I’ve talked to a number of people in the past year and will probably talk to more. Many are running for offices or have run and the recurring them for their political involvement is, “trump happened.” I know that’s true for me–if he had never been installed in office, I probably would have lived out the rest of my life, totally inactive, thinking that voting was enough. Just voting–is not enough! If we want to see a change in this country, every able-bodied, mentally stable American needs to get actively involved in the political process of this country–it’s the way Democracy works.

At any rate, let’s get back to the point I want to make–about having presidential qualifications which include being fit for the office. As most of my followers know, I plan to run for President in 2020. Many have said, they don’t think I’m qualified based upon a few factors: I’ve not held an elected public office (not a career politician), I’m not rich (no matter how rich is defined), and I’m not affiliated with any religious institution (meant to appease the religious sector in the country).

On the other hand, there are number of reasons why I believe I’m the perfect person (qualified and fit) for the position of President of the United States.

• I am an American (though the founding fathers didn’t have me in mind) who believes in adhering to the Constitution of the United States.
• I have been a public servant for over 20 years as an educator and volunteer in various situations.
• I know the three branches of government and the intent for checks and balances needed for a democratic process to work and have an affinity for understanding history.
• I have a better than average understanding of how government is supposed to work and will work to maintain (or restore in this case) the relationships between our allies.
• I have a heart for all people regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs or anything else.
• I care about our planet and want to make sure my grandchildren and their children can enjoy breathing clean air, drinking clean water, and in eating foods not poisoned by toxic soil.
• I want every person who desires a higher education to have access to one without overwhelming debt (I know all too well how this is overwhelming)
• I want every educator to be treated with respect and dignity and paid as the professionals they are.
• I want every Senior Citizen to live secure in the knowledge that benefits they paid into will always be available to them.
• I want every American–regardless of age or pre-existing conditions to have access to affordable healthcare.
• I want every veteran who has served this country to be honored as the heroes they are and for them to have every service they need to continue living a productive life.
• I want every American to be treated with respect and dignity and afforded equal rights in every area of their lives.
• I want corporations to pay their fair share of taxes and for them to pay employees a living wage commensurate with their skills and ability.
• I want access for every person who wants to run for an elected office to be able to do so without finances being a barrier that impedes.
• I want to see America’s Democratic process work for every American and that the people determine the direction of our nation, not corrupt, bought and paid for politicians who forget how they were elected in the first place.
• I am as mentally stable as anyone can be at the moment with the constant threat of nuclear war by the menace in the White House who is truly the enemy of the people.

In addition to the above bulleted points–I am physically fit to endure rigors of the office and if for any reason, my physical ability should falter, I have no qualms about moving aside so that the country moves forward with the best person at the helm. My strongest character traits are my integrity and tenacity. My weakest character trait (and I’m working on overcoming it) is believing in the best of people. When I see the worst in them, I acknowledge it and sever ties with them. I know how to love from afar.

For those who think that having an affiliation with a religious institution is important, let me say this. My relationship with Jesus Christ is far more important than an affiliation with any religious institution since they “change” and Jesus does not. I’m happy with my relationship with other believers and even those who don’t. Neither belief or unbelief changes who I am or how I try to live life as a living representation of who God is.

So, now do you think I’m qualified to run for president? Only the voters will make that decision and I hope they find in my favor and elect an Everyday American who cares about all people, rather than a career politician, or entertainer simply because they have the money or family name. I want people to research who I am and determine for themselves whether they think I can represent who they are and address their needs.

 

Criticizing Leaders Is American!

Okay, I’m a bit frustrated with all the nonsense promoted by the #MAGA group who think that criticizing trump is anti-American. The truth of the matter is–they do not understand the first amendment rights provided in The Constitution. Better yet, they have no idea what the Constitution really says about anything and since they don’t read, they won’t.

Bottom line is this–under the first amendment of the Constitution, we all have the right to the freedom of expression. So when we criticize the the WH idiot because of all the idiotic things he does, we have a right to do so. After all, American and the entire world saw all the “criticism” of President Obama that was never-ending and still going on now, even though he’s no longer the president of the United States (still better than the one in the Oval Office at the moment). So let’s look at who is truly un-American, Anti-American because they criticized and lied on, President Obama. The list is long so if I missed a few, let me know.

Donald Trump–must be un-American/Anti-American because he promoted the lie that Obama was not born in the United States.

Melania Trump for parroting the lie.

Mitch McConnell–criticized Obama from day one and deliberately thwarted Obama’s efforts to do his job. “We’ll make sure he’s a one-term president and obstruct anything he wants to do.” (Remember that one, Mitch?)

Paul Ryan

Rand Paul

Mitt Romney

Orrin Hatch

Steve King

Bill O’Reilly

All Fox News Hosts

All Media

Most Republicans (and some Democrats)

Most Evangelicals (and faux Christians)

The KKK

And anyone else who “dared to criticize” the president, including me. When I don’t agree, I criticize, but it doesn’t make me un-American/Anti-American. It proves that I am an American who knows my rights as an American. Do you get it now?

Just remember–Karma bites–when trying to malign others and trying to place them in hell–simply because “you don’t know The Constitution” can have its drawbacks. Ask Larry Kudlow–he’ll understand.

And get this–only in a fascist regime, authoritarian government where a dictator reigns is “criticism not allowed.” Ask those in Russia, China, Venezuela, or NK or any other country that does not have a democracy that gives people the right to say what they want to say. Go ahead–ask them! And until you understand what the 1st amendment means, stop trying to coerce others into believing what you believe. We don’t have to believe you, anymore than you have to believe us.

But just so you know–I’ve taken the opportunity to remind you below–about The Bill of Rights included in The Constitution of the United States (not the divided states of trump). https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. (notice this says nothing about the right of individuals to stockpile weapons or to even own them).

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Now check out the “preamble” of the Constitution:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Notice how it starts–“We the People of the United States” and not an illegitimate president…One person does not decide what we can or cannot do in this country–and those of us who love this country, will make sure we preserve our democracy and all of the rights it affords others whether we like them or not; agree with them or not, because it is every person’s right to agree or disagree, criticize or not. That’s what it means to be an American, in America.

So, trump is wrong, Mike Pence is wrong, Jeanine Pirro is wrong, Larry Kudlow is wrong, Peter Navarro is wrong and so is everyone else who thinks we shouldn’t criticize trump or any other president. Get the facts and understand your rights and the rights of others.

Christianity and Political Parties

Since there are really no passages of scripture that deal directly with politics, I thought I’d share some of the comments that have made to me over the course of this year. Many, who claim to be Christians revealed their political party preference and concluded that I couldn’t be a Christian and be Democrat.

But I can and am! To be perfectly honest, I’d bet the farm that Jesus is more proud of me as a Democrat than He is of some the Republicans who only want to control others, not do the work as He commanded us to do.

They want to control what women do with their bodies; they want to legislate or rather re-legislate what the 2nd Amendment means and their purported interest in the “church having priority over government.” They have misunderstood and misrepresented the 1st Amendment and continue to lie to anyone who’s foolish enough to listen without doing some research of their own.

No long dissertation today, just a few words in pictorial formats to underscore my point!

Now–they say (that infamous “they”) that a picture is worth a thousand words. I rest my case.

Stability

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. Everyday I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty–and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works–and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:1-7 NIV

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:5-8 NIV

What we need in the world now, more than ever is stability–stable-minded leaders–in order to effect peace and security. Without stability–especially in operating in the minds of world leaders–the entire world is at a place where few feel secure.

The founding fathers of our nation in America–sought to create an environment of stability when they composed the Constitution. Now, the right-wing tea-partiers want to destabilize our democracy by ignoring the Constitutional framework of how government works. When we allow any one person to violate the Constitution, we put at risk the entire Constitution being violated by those who think they are above the law.

We see this continuing line of thought on a regular basis in the WH–where all we have are enablers of an unfit, unstable, double-minded illegitimate person who was installed by Russia. The GOP–supposedly the party of family values and morals have been derelict in their responsibility by first allowing the nomination and they continue to abrogate responsibility by not “keeping him in check” which is their job–the purpose for which they were elected.

Until we all get involved–Republicans, Independents and Democrats to stop ignoring the fact–we have a mental midget in charge, we’re never going to see or have stability in this country again.

The white supremacist was elected by other white supremacists and then he appointed another racist bigot as Attorney General and we can see it in all he does in the position, then he appointed a bigot as Education Secretary and thieves and liars in other positions–which should not be a surprise since he is a thief and liar–totally corrupt and morally bankrupt.

What do the rest of us need to do? We need to encourage those pseudo-Christians who are worshiping trump to read their bible with understanding–worshiping him is idolatry; and we need to remind them–daily–God did not choose trump to be president, they did–along with the rest of the racists and haters in this country.

There will be no peace without the acceptance that America was not founded on the bible; was not built on white European values, but on the backs of slave labor and ignorance of the context of the bible. White Europeans came to this land already inhabited by the Indigenous Natives and stole the land from them. They additionally complicated matters by importing Africans as slaves–free labor to build the infrastructure and stabilize their economic power–corruption at its best.

If America is not willing to accept the facts and reality of its existence, we will continue to have turmoil and chaos because of those who think they are superior to others. As long as we have leadership constantly flip-flopping on policy (if there is policy) we will be the laughingstock of the world. Without stable-minded leadership, there will be no stability in the country. It is time for us to wake up and see the danger we’re all in from NK, Russia, and China because we allowed an idiot to reside in the White House.

We can change things and begin the journey to stabilize by changing who we elect. In 2018, we need to flip the House (from Red to Blue) and in 2020, those Senators who are too old to see reality as it exists, not as they want it, need to retire.

We are a nation of diverse cultures and we need to protect that right by remembering–every person of European ancestry was an immigrant and had the Natives not been as helpful as they were, they would surely not be a majority voice in this country. We need stability and the only way that will happen is when the rights of all Americans are acknowledged and protected. If we continue to treat those who come into this land as though they were less worthy of equal treatment, we may incur the wrath of God for not obeying His Word about how we should treat, “foreigners” as outlined in Deuteronomy.

I’m Mary Hall-Rayford and I am not ashamed to admit–this country is headed in the wrong direction and if we don’t change course soon, we will cease to exist as the founding fathers envisioned.

How Are We Walking?

For we walk by faith, not by sight! 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

Therefore we are confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NIV

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:1-3 KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 NIV

In some ways, this post today could be a continuation of the “Where are the watchmen?” series. But today, as I was completing my mile walk, it occurred to me that sometimes, we all overlook the significance of using words appropriately because “words matter.” Follow my thoughts here.

I was thinking about all the challenges I’ve faced in life as I prepare my run for the presidency in 2020.  I’ve been rear-ended twice and in both collisions, cars were totaled; I’ve suffered a stroke which could have caused a total collapse of my body. In all three incidents; my “sight” was temporarily impaired, but I never lost hope and fought through the darkness, determined to keep living. My vision–to live until I’m 95–kept me from losing hope in the longevity I want to see. 

You see, what I get from this–is our sight has to do with our physical ability to see and even if our sight is impaired, it should never interfere with our vision–a vision we have hopefully written on paper, cyberspace or in our hearts. My vision for longevity is written in all I do–on paper, in cyberspace and in my heart. I have a lot to do before I leave the earth realm and I plan to get it all done–and I will–as long as I keep my faith in Christ Jesus and not in people or things.

If America loses sight of the vision–a great place for all to live where we have the freedom to think independently from government or religions or any other entity–we cave to those things and people who want to control us.

I challenge every American–to wake up and pay attention to what’s going on around us–specifically in the political arena. Do not allow one political party to interfere with your right to vote with their gerrymandering, election rigging, or any other means to suppress your vote. Rise up and know–your vote is your voice in our government and this is why–GOP leadership wants to restrain your voice–so only theirs is heard.

I have a vision for America–the place where we have fought for freedom and now must fight to retain it. The America I love will embrace people from all walks of life, opening arms and hearts of compassion for all who are in need of shelter and comfort. We will learn to think and act as one unit–united by love of country, not divided by party politics. We will not allow a foreign entity’s misdeeds to overshadow what we have already accomplished, caving to their dictates through the embodiment of greed and corruption. We will stand firm, determined and convinced that our Constitution is right for us and we will not allow greed to change our path. Though our “sight” may be impaired for a moment by the glitz and idiocy of those in leadership positions, we will not lose sight of the vision–written in the Constitution and in our hearts, confirmed with the gift of the Statute of Liberty, and upheld in the motto of our military actions–America is the land of the free and there is no other place, I’d rather be–than at the helm in the White House, in 2020, governing for all Americans and not just a handful of the privileged, elite.

• We will defend the rights of the poor and the needy and put out of business the corrupt and the greedy.
• We will provide quality healthcare and education for all who seek one beyond the environs of public education.
• We will lead this new technological era with revolutionary ideas that will keep all employed who want to work and pay them well, so they won’t shirk.
• Taxation will be fair to all, with the lesser income households paying the least, and the greater incomes, paying the most so government won’t suffer loss.
• We will maintain our military might as they watch and guard us through the night.
• We will honor our senior citizens and treat them with the respect and honor they deserve, giving them what is rightfully theirs, held in reserve.
• We will learn to love and respect all human beings as one race, with none being superior to another, alleviating the need for strife based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or skin tone. There is but one blood, shed for us all and there is but one blood, red–that flows through us all and it’s time we recognize that fact and change our act.

Though there are days, my sight gives me reason to pause, since aging has it’s own pace and challenges, I will never give up my vision–now written for all to see on the walls of cyberspace–easily shared. 

Are you ready to assist in this task, making the sure the vision is never curtailed, but will last for generations to come, on a planet will survive the test of climate change because we will change how we live–living by faith and acting with prudence in all that we do?

I’m ready, willing and able to do all to make sure the vision comes to past and all Everyday Americans will have-assurance in government once again, at least in the leader who shall lead all nations in the proclamation of peace and prosperity, none knowing lack. I don’t know about you, but I’m walking by faith in God and all He has poured into me to do, not by what I see that’s imperiled by man.

 

We Can Never Get Too Much Wisdom

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:10-19 NIV

If we read one segment of Proverbs on a daily basis and meditated on what Solomon is saying to us, we’d become wise enough to know–truth when we see and separate it from the fictional lies–offered as “alternative facts” and get America back on track to being as great as she is. Wisdom abides in the soul of the ones who came before us when they have learned their lessons well and share them so we won’t make the same mistakes.

Our recorded history–world history–not just American history, should be lesson for us all to keep the evil of greed from leading an entire country in the wrong direction. Truth is a beacon of light that shines in dark places and finds every niche and cranny of evil trying to hide in the darkness and exposes it. 

Evil–in the person of alt-right groups who think they can defend their savior by threatening CNN hosts and their families. They are cowardly bullies, just like their savior–and though they claim to be Christians (most of them), they are no more Christian than my dog and I don’t own one. Only evil and those influenced by it threaten to harm others simply because they cannot make people think the way they do. Wickedness resides in the hearts of those who encourage evil to run rampant and there is no place for love for hatred has taken root, and sucked all the life out of the person who may have been headed for greatness, but allowed evil to get in their way.

My prayer, for all those who exercise their right to freely express–in print and broadcast media–their findings of research and opinions on matters that affect the nation–is that every news outlet will stand–in lock-step, and not be moved–reporting every evil that surfaces and exposing those behind it. Most of us–as Patriots, stand behind the 1st Amendment and support a free press to keep our government accountable to the people.

For those who don’t understand the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution or Bill of Rights, as some have demonstrated, let me remind you here:

Declaration of Independence from King George of England

In Congress, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Preamble of the Constitution

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

From The Bill of Rights

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

All found on the government archives website–easily found on Google or any other reliable search engine.

In the very near future, I will endeavor to further analyze and break down information from the three documents which cement our democracy and I–along with many other True Patriots–will not allow a handful of illiterates and low-information voters to trample and crush the democracy we enjoy in America. I’m taking my stand and I pray others will do the same.

 

American Values

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. It what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved–even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst. If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future–all are yours, and you are of Christ and Christ is of God. I Corinthians 3:12-23 NIV

As America celebrates its independence from British rule in 1776, we must also reflect upon the situation of that time–leading to the declaration and remembering the sacrifices made to ensure independence from those who sought to keep people in bondage, being under the thumb of authoritarian rule of royalty. The entire purpose of establishing The United States of America (then only 13 colonies) was to make sure people were not ruled by any one person or one group of people–who would abuse the rights of all people in order to benefit themselves (no taxation without representation).

That’s the mini-lesson for today and there is so much more we need to remember and understand.  For instance, why people left Britain, what happened to the Native Inhabitants of the land, why slaves were imported from Africa and other Caribbean Islands, and why religious freedom was a must for those who came to inhabit the land.

It would appear that we are having a continual discussion about the foundational beliefs of America–one being that it was founded upon Christianity–which is a myth. The founding fathers referred to biblical principles when writing the constitution, but it was not about Christianity–since many people establish religions based on biblical principles but do not call themselves Christians. But let me clear–biblical principles are great to use to determine how one lives and in how we should treat others, but it takes having a relationship with Jesus Christ to call oneself a Christian (follower of Christ). Not understanding the need for a relationship with Christ is what caused so many problems in America and in other places, but today–I’ll just deal with America.

It was “religion” not Christianity that led the early settlers in America to believe that “slavery” was their right.  Much of this belief was held because of not understanding what they read in the bible (not know who was talking or why). And yes, I know Paul talked about slaves in the New Testament, but it was a matter of understanding slavery–benefiting from free labor–not the mistreatment of other human beings. And we see the mistreatment of human beings in how the Native Inhabitants were treated, the imported slaves, and those who later migrated to America, but did not look like those who first came. I don’t want to make this a “black and white” issue, but let’s be real, white settlers took over the land from the Natives and restricted their movement because they were not white; they mistreated slaves and even after they were freed, the black people were restricted in movement and ability to thrive, as were those who migrated from Ireland, China, Poland, Italy and just about anywhere else.

And today, a fear-monger has ignited fear in others again–about those who do not look like them or worship like them and has “restricted” others from coming into the land, afraid they’ll no longer be a “superior” race of people. That’s what American Values have become–if a person is white and holds fast to the “religious-right” way of thinking about the bible, they are welcomed into this country; if not–they are kept out.

Being religious is not being a Christian since religions hold fast to man-made rules and doctrines that leave Jesus wondering if He could measure up to the standards, petty, vindictive, bigoted people establish. As stated earlier, being a Christian means to follow Jesus–doing what Jesus did–care for the poor and needy, the vulnerable, the abandoned, the bereft, those looked down upon by those in positions of authority and ignored. If we–as Christians understand that God is love and He could do nothing but love, then we understand why– in the person of human flesh– Jesus dined with sinners without judging them, went into areas where normally Jews wouldn’t wander, and healed all who came to Him. He was not concerned about a person’s position or wealth or lack thereof (though He admonished the religious who tried control people based upon their rules), he was compassionate towards all and commanded all who would follow Him, to “love God and to love one another.”

Where is the love? How do we demonstrate our love for one another? Is it rejecting–out of hand–the value and worth of another human being’s life because they are not “white” or wear a head covering, or pray five times a day, or three times a day or not at all? Is it dictating to others how they should live and then disparaging them when others don’t comply? Is it proclaiming to be “pro-life” as it pertains to a fetus, and yet refuse to assist those who are already here, by pushing an agenda that decimates the poor? Is it disregarding all those who helped to make this land great–regardless of their skin color, religious beliefs, or their gender?

If American Values are regressing to those times when people lacked understanding and thought they had to “make decisions” for others, then our values are worthless and they make the Constitution a waste of paper and sacrifices made to achieve the opportunity to write it.

This is the 21st Century, not the 1930s or 40s or 50s or 60s. We are living in an age of technology that when used appropriately, can catapult us into a future of wonder and amazement to the rest of the world. If used to undermine the very nature of what we claim to hold fast–those rights clearly established in the constitution–then we set ourselves for derision and become a non-entity to the rest of the world.

We need to reassess our American Values and make sure they align with the Constitution and the biblical principles used to establish it. Every human being in this country has the same rights as others regardless of skin color, religious belief, or gender and no one–no group has a right to undermine or destroy that. For when they undermine the Constitution, they demonstrate they do not know God and their authoritarian spirit–defies God since God is the only person we should obey. 

We have a choice–we always have a choice as to what we believe and how we treat others. I am a proud American–descendant of slaves and Native Inhabitants–a patriot in the truest sense of the word and I hold sacred the plight of the country over any political agenda to control people. And because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and know how to love–I am a true Believer and try always to do as Jesus would do. Not everyone wants to hear truth and accept it, but God did not call me to just teach His Word and only speak truth, when people wanted to hear it. In fact, He reminded me that my job is to teach His Work and speak His truth; I’m not accountable for what people do with the truth–they are–reject or accept–it’s on them, not me.

So celebrate today in remembrance of obtaining freedom from the control of others–have a wonderful time–but remember how we got here and know the only way we stay “free” and enjoy the liberties we have is to seek God and rethink what our American Values are and what they mean to all.

I’m Mary Hall-Rayford and I approve this message.

Live Godly Lives!

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV).

Though there are many unbelievers and naysayers about the foundational beliefs of this country, those of us who know God’s Word, know the Constitution of the United States paraphrases the very Word of God with the intent to provide order and justice so all can live in peace and harmony.

And though founding fathers supported the practice of slavery [as used by the sinners to influence how Black Americans think], they did so out of ignorance of the inhumanities that would be employed by other human beings and to support an economy of free labor. I do not support the practice of slavery of any kind, but I do understand that people are enslaved–and not just by other people–but carnal desires–sex, drugs, and greed.

Although America is supposedly the “land of the free” where liberty and justice can be found for all, that does not appear to be the case for Believers--who understand our foundational beginnings and uphold the Word of God as a blueprint for living–establishing order and peace for all. Believers everywhere are now–the “foreigners” in the land even though it was because of a desire to worship God–separate from government control–that led to the establishment of this country.

But we should not think our beliefs are as foreign as those who were responsible for “taking over” the land from the Native (those born here originally) Americans. We changed their names and stripped them of their dignity, forcing them to comply with our traditions because we were afraid of theirs--and restricted where they could live–all so we could make ourselves look better than them.

That same spirit–that “take over mentality” now exists in the mindsets of gay-advocate groups all over the land. They are determined to take-over and vilify every Believer who dares to speak out against sin. It is a plot of the enemy to destroy mankind and they who have been influenced, don’t even see it.

So, in the sense that Believers “appear” to be losing ground in the face of enemy’s agenda, we are admonished in the Word, to live Godly lives in the presence of the unbelieving, so that our good deeds are seen. In other words, we are to live as God wants us to live–in spite of the turmoil and chaos that has infected the land–from those who have been bitten with the venom of sin to those in the Supreme Court who have allowed the poison to infect their judgment–creating confusion in the masses and we know–God is not the author of confusion so that leaves only one spiritual force who is–Satan.

We know that the chaos, confusion, and turmoil in the earth is caused by Satan because those who are influenced by him, deny the existence of any spiritual forces. If people deny Satan’s existence, they can easily convince themselves that God–who is Spirit and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth–doesn’t exist either.

But we who know–that spiritual forces do exist in the atmosphere, should be mindful that we are submitted to Holy Spirit and will give the demonic spirits no place in our lives. As ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we must say what He says and represent all that He is in our own conduct. We do not have to resort to name-calling, using profanity, or any other method of ridicule as those who follow Satan do, to live the life that God wants us to live.

Indeed, our response to the negativity shown towards us should simply be to promote the Gospel, share God’s love and keep it moving. And while we are promoting the Gospel for the sake of those who have not acknowledged Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, we should also support those who are willing to stand firm in their beliefs and faith in God. There are many more Kim Davises in the world–and they should all have our prayers and support in their endeavor to live Godly lives, no matter how many fiery darts the enemy launches against them. Live to please God and not man and receive God’s reward of eternal life with Him.