Don’t Be Deceived!

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,  for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 NIV

For anyone listening to the 45’s speech last night–written for him, practiced by him, and to his base supporters–Republicans, we who have discerning spirits saw through the empty rhetoric.

Yes–the tone of the speech was modified so he would sound more presidential–which some have said he accomplished, but note–the comments were, “he sounded presidential” not that he was.

Yes–he is attempting to litigate the case he’s simply trying to keep campaign promises, but those promises were not made to or for all Americans, but his base. There are more of us, than them.

What’s interesting to note is that though some were in agreement about the tone of the speech, they knew the person speaking was not was not the real person, but a masquerade to try to keep the public duped into believing he cares.

How do we know he doesn’t really care–he had the temerity to invite the widow of a recently slain Navy Seal–manipulating the situation to give an appearance that he cared, after not accepting responsibility for the botched raid in Yemen. At first he tried to blame Obama (what’s new there?), then he blamed the generals, and though he said valuable intel was procured, reports from those in the field, deny that claim.

“Just so we’re clear, it’s not Obama behind the leaks. Approx 50% of staffers are actively participating one way or another. #Iamtheleak” (from Twitter account from those on the inside).

So, what has changed? Not much. He will always put on the appearance of caring about Americans, but his scope is limited to those who worship at his feet. Since I have never worshiped an elected leader, I’m not about to start now; especially when he has done nothing noteworthy that will benefit all Americans.

The fact-checkers have already determined that much of what he said may have been true, but misleading. In other words, the speech included some statistics and figures, but were used out of the appropriate context in which they were derived. For instance, he failed to say that of the millions who are not working, over 75% are senior citizens or students. So that leaves only 25% who are actively seeking work that are yet unemployed.

On Obamacare–the ACA–I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–if Republicans had not been so vitriolic in their attempt to belittle the healthcare act–by calling it “Obamacare” more people would have understood what was at stake when he was running around the country screaming about repealing it. Once people understood that Obamacare and ACA were the same, they screamed foul and started showing up for town hall meetings with their representatives. No one in their right mind would vote against their own interests unless the truth was shrouded.

On my confidence meter–the marker is still on the “very low” end and if I was to give him a grade, it would be an F–. His “America First” only includes those who support, not the rest of us and as stated above–there are more of us–than them and we’ll simply show him what that means in the coming months.

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Let’s Stick To The Issues!

This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. Acts 23:27-30 NIV

Whenever people have nothing of substance to add to a discussion, they inevitably turn to talking points that have nothing to do with the issues at hand. We know–those who Believe and accept God’s Word as true–that Jesus was arrested, illegally tried, and crucified as part of a plot by those who were envious of the attention He received. And now, some years later in this passage of scripture, we see a repeat of the motive–envy and jealously over things the religious leaders did not understand. And since they did not understand it–it couldn’t be true or right–according to their logic.

Throughout history, if we examined and analyzed every event microscopically, we’d see this scenario playing out over and over again and it hasn’t stopped yet. When people “blow things out of proportion” because they do not understand them, it is a sign that they will do anything to accomplish their own self-centered goals to destroy another. When people are “outside the loop” of knowing–they tend to see conspiracy in all that others do, yet they are so blinded by their envy and agenda, they do not see truth about themselves. Why? Because they have nothing of substance to say about “real issues” that affect the lives of others.

There are serious flaws in our political system that allow a person who knows nothing to run for President of the United States. There should be some sort of vetting by a committee–not necessarily government officials, but people in the know--who determine the competency of anyone running for President. And this is beyond the criteria already established regarding citizenship and age.

What do we need to know about political candidates?

• Do they know and understand our nation’s history–from beginning to present–and all of the changes that had to take place in order for this country to be “united” as one?
• Do they understand how government works? Were they paying attention in civics classes?
• Do they understand how global economy works and that a nation’s economy can not be compromised by “bankruptcy” when debts are owed?
• Do they understand the importance of “relationships to develop partnerships” with other countries?
• Do they understand that conflicts with other countries cannot be solved by endangering civilians with “just bombing entire regions” to root out evil?
• Do they understand the potential fall-out from other countries who have been disrespected and maligned simply because no knowledge about how things are done “right” is known?
• Do they understand the potential for civil unrest and violence when promoting hate-mongering and fear-mongering when those tactics are only used by those who are insecure and love to intimidate others?
• Do they understand the importance of keeping Americans safe from the angst of other countries when we speak without thinking?
• Are they willing to set aside their personal interests when it conflicts with “what’s best” for the country?

These are the issues that should be addressed before anyone is allowed to become “a great pretender” and think they have what it takes to sit in the White House. For if the answer to the above questions is “yes” then political campaigns can stick to the issues in setting methods to solve problems, not create them or waste their time with personal attacks which have no relevance in the greater scheme of things.

Though I may seem to be beating a dead horse on this issue of politicism, I have to say that comments regarding Bill Clinton have nothing to do with Hilary Clinton’s ability to serve this country in the White House. It is merely a distraction and opportunity for those who keep bringing up his past because they have nothing of substance to present in making a case for bumbling ignorance we see in the other candidate. 

When it comes to the criticism of Hilary being untrustworthy and a liar–how does someone who has filed bankruptcy four times, leading to others losing their businesses, think they are trustworthy? And perhaps, he doesn’t understand that constantly back-pedaling on issues he should have kept quiet about from the beginning–is lying. He apparently doesn’t understand the principle behind “the pot calling the kettle black.”

I simply pray that Hilary will not stoop to this level of personal attack that have no relevance in the greater scheme of things and that she’ll stick to the issues and present a case to the American public that ensures the continued greatness of this country–in spite of what others say.

And for the rest of us–the voters in America–I hope we can make a decision that sticks to the issues and not personal biases about who is the best qualified for the job–whether we agree with a party platform or not.