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TRUMP IN MINNESOTA YESTERDAY: A First Class Act

10/31/2020

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Trump refuses to cancel appearance and honors Minnesota supporters. Shame on the Governor.
Yesterday I witnessed a class act by a man who is continuously being verbally assaulted and abused like none I have ever seen. That man is our President, Donald J. Trump, working tirelessly in the closing days of the 2020 presidential election campaign, showing an energy level that would be excellent for a man half his age, let alone for a man of seventy-four. Never in our history has their been a President running for office who has faced such a vile and fact free media assault. Why? Because he represents you and me, not the Washington Swamp. It's really just as simple as that.  

The President is, of course, covering the country every day with three or more rallies where he continues to amaze me as he looks as fresh on the first as on the last. And the crowds respond with great love for what he is trying to do: return the country to the people, not to the chosen few. That in a nutshell is why the Establishment and the mainstream media despise him, for he works to end their gravy train. It is why the media and so many lobbyists work to destroy him, for their free ride to money, power and prestige will end if President Trump can continue on  his mission to make America for the people again.  It is in this background that the event I am referring to took place.  The location was Rochester, Minnesota in the late afternoon.

President Trump received notification in late morning yesterday that Minnesota had changed the plans for his rally and established rules whereby only two hundred and fifty people would be allowed to attend where nearly twenty-five thousand had been scheduled. The decision had been made by Keith Ellison, the radical activist Attorney General, who despises Trump and is fearful that the President could become the first Republican to win the vote for President in Minnesota since 1972.  It was a  clearly politically-charge decision hoping to keep good and freedom loving Minnesotans from seeing Trump first hand this close to election day, but it was a big mistake.  Why? Because Trump, when asked if he wanted to cancel the visit said, no, we are coming. He wasn't about to disappoint those good people who were already standing in line to see him and,to the chagrin of the leftist government leaders, he didn't.

Upon arrival late yesterday afternoon, Trump noticed cars and  trucks parked along the highway outside the perimeter of the visit and he asked about them. Told they were all of his supporters who were not allowed in to see him, he opted for a sudden change of plans and was driven out to the roadway in his limo to greet them.  The two hundred and fifty in place for the visit cheered and agreed with the plan and he was off.  About every quarter mile along the road, President Trump walked over to his loyal followers, had a few good words for them and cheered them on. And on his way back in slowly he beamed and waved at all who were there. Then he went and delivered a grand speech about why he was running and why it was so important. He directly addressed the Governor and told him how objectionable his decision was while the small audience roared. He also spoke to the camera and expressed his hope that all good Minnesotans understood that their liberal Governor had decided that they shouldn't be allowed to see and hear the President they adore. Their response was a surrounding roar again. But, and this is the amazing part, all of those who were refused admittance cheered as well, watching his remarks on cellphones closely. It was a proud moment to say you were a Trump supporter and a sad example of what the opposition has become.

There was something sad about watching the President when his speech was done, walk across what looked like an empty tarmac  and slowly climb the steps of Air Force One in the late day skies, but there is a silver lining.  This morning the good folks of Minnesota began showing the backlash against tyranny by elected officials  who are supposed to serve them. I truly think come Tuesday night, they will understand the folly of their ways and pay the price when the announcer says, Trump carries Minnesota.  That is just as it should be.  Sometimes paybacks are hell and no two people deserve it more than Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, two ideological midgets who don't have a clue about the Real America.  Wake up, America, let's take it to the finish line in Minnesota and all the state so that we will hear the beautiful proclaim for Donald J. Trump: FOUR MORE YEARS IS ON THE WAY.


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THERE IS JUST SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT A LIGHTHOUSE

10/28/2020

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Bodie Island Light on North Carolina's Outer Banks
There is just something very special about a lighthouse and none is more special to me than this majestic one shown above on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Bodie Island Light. This particular structure has been in service since 1871 although now it is automated.  I have visited it many times and it still is magical to me. I like to imagine what it must have been like on this raised sandbar of land in the midst of the sea, when the lighthouse and quarters and the mailboat dock were the only evidence of mankind on this remote and beautiful place. It must have truly been amazing.

Now, in all fairness, there are many other beautiful lighthouses on the Banks, including Cape Hatteras Light, the best known facility standing in the area on Hatteras Island to the south. She is about thirty feet taller than Bodie Island's 210, yet the smaller station has such a unique place in my heart. It is because Bodie Island has a special connection for me. It was here that my maternal great-grandfather, Peter Gregory Gallop, served as the longest standing lighthouse keeper of Bodie Island from 1878 to 1906. Over this twenty eight years of service modern developments made for more efficient operations and a higher degree of reliability in the changing and difficult weather conditions that are common here. And through it all, Keeper Peter spent many lonely days and nights insuring that mariners worried about the nearby shoals could rely on the steady light of the old lighthouse to guide their way.  Those shoals represent an extension of those on Diamond Shoals off Hatteras, where many ships ran aground in times of storms and often captains might let their guard down upon successful passage. At the time they often didn't  realize that the shoals extended for many miles both north and south. This is why, in addition to Hatteras Light, Bodie Island Light to the north and Cape Lookout Light to the south, provided guidance to guide mariners along the way.

I was blessed to have one of Keeper Peter's five daughters as my grandmother.  Grandma Martha was spry, clear of thought and, with a twinkle in her eyes, told me grand stories about spending time on the island on occasion to keep her father company. She and other siblings or, perhaps with a friend, would fish and swim on the wide open and clean, uncluttered beach while her father, during off duty time on a warm day, watched over them. He enjoyed having them with him, catching abundant fish for supper with cornbread and just talking or playing a board game after dark. They loved time on the wide open beach and even climbed the lighthouse steps for a beautiful view of the surf and sand and the majesty which the elements of nature provide from such a wondrous spot. And sometimes he Keeper Peter would allow them to even help with the light's operational chores, but never with the cleaning of the Fresnel lens. Only the Keeper would do that and inspect his own work with a white glove, maintaining the perfect condition for the best visible light system of its time. And Grandma's recollection brought it all to life for me so that when I visited the old lighthouse, I could visualize just they way it must have been.  Both my great-grandfather and my grandma are, of course, no longer with us, but I am thankful for the memories and I hope the Spirit of Bodie Island lives on with me and it has positively impacted my heart. Should any of my readers visit the lighthouse, I hope you, too might be able to visualize  it better from these words. She's a great example of maritime Americana at its best.  Just another example of how God has truly blessed America and why we should always make sure that He always finds us worthy in the future. Let's work to keep it that way and remember our storied past as it really was, not as someone else wishes it to be.

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Do You Prefer Gloom and Darkness or Sunshine and Light?

10/27/2020

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I have long wondered why so many folks tend to gravitate to gloom and doom in their life. I mean, think about, life is living while being trapped in gloom is just plain dark and, frankly, resembling death much more than real life. Yes, life is for the living and it's bright and makes everything beautiful when we realize the true gift that it is. It is meant to be enjoyed, savored and to use for good and positive things. It's meant to have fun, experience the joys of wonders and new things and opportunities and the beauty that surrounds us. And when we opt to experience it fully, we not only feel better but become energized and hopeful. After all, there  is no guarantee we will have another day or live to see the end of this one.  So, it is time to be bold and brave and live with gusto and excitement, always looking forward to each new step like a grand adventure, not cowering in the corner with fear and dread, gloom and doom. If the glass of life is seen as half full instead of half empty, we will end up filling it to overflowing with our countenance and grace.  And it will impact those around us in ways that will show them the value of life, oh, so true.

So, why do we find so many gloomy souls abounding, clearly unhappy with everything and trying to bring others down with them? Well, of course, recent events have created much of that but yet we still really don't know if what have used as the cure might not be much worse than the threat as well. We may never know the truth of that and the why for it being done, for when people can't support themselves through no fault of their own, it is a tragedy of major portions. But it is also s true that misery loves company and there is no force more exploitive of that than the Fallen One himself, always seeking others to be as miserable as he is himself. And when he captures them, they appear like the living dead. Now he knows that his days are numbered and he wants to take as many as he can with him since it will be his last hurrah. When it comes, it will be good riddance of him for all of us for it will mean that goodness, energy, love and grace has won the battle for real life. For real life comes with goodness and light and salvation. And while we humans will make mistakes along the way, when we acknowledge that the Light comes from someone much greater than us and truly believe that, we will still be saved from the ultimate gloom and doom of this world if we always try to be our best with our hearts fulfilled by Him.

So, be bold, be brave and go for it friends. Think things through, of course, but throw away the fear and don't procrastinate, for you might just throw await that opportunity you have found and it might be gone forever.   Instead, put your heart in the right place and go forward with grit, determination, faith and hope. When you feel you have found it and that it is the right thing to do, go for it with all the strength you have and never look back. For love, happiness, grace and peace will always be in vogue for those of us who are willing to make that commitment.  And when this life is done, we will be satisfied with what you have done and then turn ourselves over to the Master for Eternity.  Sunshine and light will always be the way to go and, when it is time to depart this life, it will shine eternally while those who can't believe it can return to their gloom, miserable and in darkness forever.  Thanks be to God.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Does God Play an Active Role in Politics?

10/25/2020

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Does God make direct political decisions?
Today being the next to last Sunday before Election 2020, I think it is imperative to briefly discuss what, if any, role God plays in American politics.  After all, the Founders created a  nation under God, with evidence of it widely displayed even today on many of our federal buildings and monuments, the Declaration of Independence, writings of many early leader including George Washington in two missives about Thanksgiving in 1789 and 1796, writings of man others  and even on our money. And up until recent generations, that has never been questioned, but today as we face an election with probably the most dramatic of differences, it is one which is probably the most important election of modern times, perhaps even in our history. So, here is how I see God's involvement in American politics and it is done very indirectly, with the decision being left to each of us by our free will.

God always wants the best for us, He loves us very deeply and He smiles and is pleased when we make good decisions and is saddened when we don't. But He knows that only decisions made by each of us ourselves can ever give us the joy that His love should bring.  So, to reach that level of joy which also carries with it our Salvation if we believe, we need to take our decision-making over this election choice to God in prayer and seek His.

What we face is a decision over what we believe about our Constitution and its  importance, what the Founders did, what we believe about the importance of God, individualism, free will and their impact on our society today. Oh, there are many more things to consider but take time to look back and see what each of the two candidates have said and where that will lead us. Then take those questions and many more that you have probably identified to God in prayer for his discernment to help make your choice. That is the only way He works, He leaves it up to us. And does He play a part in guiding either one or both candidates to the position they find themselves? After all, He did with Moses, He did with King Cyrus and He very well is doing it right here this year.  But God will include that in his discernment for what you should do and then it is up to you to act accordingly, or reject it at your own peril.

All I can add to that is I think the decision for me is very clear  but, of course, I must leave your decision to you for that is what it must be.. So, instead of being sad, be prayerful and filled with joy, for with God's discernment you can be at peace. God bless you all and God bless America and may she ever be free.
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LILACS AND LIGHTNING: What Do They Have in Common?

10/24/2020

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Lightning and lilacs are two very wondrous things found in nature.  One offers bright electrical light and visible evidence of power, a power that can be very dangerous  while the other offers beauty, delicacy and a sweet aroma that is wonderful to experience.  But having said that, how can they be shown to have anything in common since the are so different? And what do I mean? To answer that, we will look at the value of each individually and then look at the reasons why they can be viewed as being alike in many respects.

Now lightning is pretty obvious in what it offers.  When an electrical charge builds up in a storm churned up by moisture and heat interacting with colder air, thunderstorms are common. And here in Florida, the lightning capital of the world, they can be extremely frightening, yet also very beautiful and despite their violent appearance, they are also very beneficial. The electrical activity results in much needed nitrogen being added to the soils below, and, of course, the rain is also very needed as it lands on the often parched earth and provides the gift of life to the earth. The morning after such a storm always dawns beautiful and clear and the often brown land turns green in an instant as the flowers and trees also seem to come back to life. And the biggest blessing of all is found in the raw and and natural view of God's power and glory that the storm provides.

Then there is the lilac plant, including wild honeysuckle which is also one of its components. It needs rain to prosper and provide the nectar that honey bees collect as they pollenate plant life and generate the purest of honey. Honey is probably the most healthy of all sweeteners and when used it is so much better the granulated sugar, and, as stated, much better for you.  And then the lilac itself, which is so delicate, puts off that wonderful sweet aroma which is nature's perfume after the rain.  And despite it's delicate nature, even in harsh climates and droughts, just a little rain will spring it back to life almost instantly. It is a plant which is hard to kill.

And so, while lightning is extremely strong and potentially dangerous, it is also beautiful like the lilac and beneficial with the nitrogen it provides to enrich the soil in which all things grow. And the lilac, while appearing dainty and fragile, is also very strong and is hard to destroy, showing some of the same traits as lightning.  And then there is the most common of their similarities that is ever present for all of us to witness. Both the lilac and lightning are part of God's nature, gifts of God presented to us as guardians of the earth. Each has it's own special purpose, but as one of the puzzles of the life on earth mystery, they play together in the symphony of God's earth. Be blessed my friends, and just know and be thankful that you have the privilege of being part of this symphony of earthly life, being given it to experience, learn and grow. It is a great blessing to be appreciated by all of us. God bless you and have a glorious day. And I hope you will consider all things that are natural as we have looked at lightning and the lilac. It will enhance your understanding of how God works immensely.

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2020 Polling Trends: What is the "Shy Trump Voter?"

10/20/2020

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And the media says the massive crowds mean nothing.
 Today marks the beginning of the final two weeks of the 2020 campaign for the American Presidency  and all the pundits  say that Joe Biden has it in a lock, that the election will be a total debacle for President Trump and he will be summarily sent home from the White House. Yet at the same time, Donald Trump has multiple personal appearance rallies each day across the fruited plain, attended by even larger and more enthusiastic crowds than four years ago. And the mainstream media is afraid to allow him to speak often and tries to hamstring him in debates and Americans are watching closely and finally see the sordid treatment afforded a President of the United States and they are questioning it. So, I will tell you that I think that the media and the pollsters (often one and the same) have failed to pick up the ever present signs which are more obvious than four years ago. And the result, from my perspective, is that the day after the election the pundits will be gnashing their teeth even more than four years ago.

Now it's true that Donald Trump surprised the Democrats last year and so this year would not be expected to offer surprises, yet they do continue to underestimate his motivation skill and his ability to change organizationally to face all challenges and he is doing so in  this year's campaign.  The Democrats continue to believe they can just sit back, throw barbs at Trump and offer no real policy and that, because of COVID-19, they don't have to campaign hard because, in their view, everybody knows that Trump was wrong on the pandemic.  They haven't even offered a good ground game, figuring they can rely on mail in voting to so confuse the issue that with their traditional large lawyer base they can fight over every vote in every voting registrar office the nation over. 

Trump has taken advantage of these things by mounting a ground game across the land that no Republican has ever developed before. For the first time in generations, Republicans have significantly outpointed Democrats in new voter registration and new voters always vote. Campaign operatives will be working hard everywhere and Trump will campaign non-stop while Joe Biden largely remains in his bunker. And violent activists within both Black Lives Matter and Antifa, which Democrats seem to approve of by their inaction in Democratic dominated cities, run free to loot, burn and pillage while Democrats blame the police. These are the kinds of things that differentiate the Left from the Right and the overwhelming majority of residents, black, white, straight, and LGBT overwhelmingly disapprove of the impact on their work and where they live. Media black out on Trump or not, Americans are not stupid when they face reality and during the next two final weeks that reality finally becomes real.

And that leaves a phenomenon that has been identified by pollsters for both the Trafalgar Group and the Democracy Institute: the Shy Trump Voter impact. Think about it. Those who are supportive generally with a more traditional setting where law and order and good will prevails and one where often disadvantaged groups like black Americans and Hispanic Americans are finding employment with numbers never heard of before, are likely to be voting for Donald Trump. Trafalgar and the Democracy Institute have both picked up on that and as a reminder, these two groups had the best performance in the 2016 election when they predicted what happened and they both see the same likely this year. In all fairness, if you are concerned about the impact on you personally and with regard to your property, would you mark yourself by answering pollster question, knowing the violence that is so prevalent today? I think not. These pollsters always poll with straightforward question asked only to likely voters, not  merely those registered  as done by the major polls. With so many registered voters never voting in elections, why would you use a faulty sample instead of one with better reliability?  You wouldn't. But, remember, the mainstream media has clearly shown that they have no desire to be fair to Trump. After all, they bought in on the Mueller investigation, impeachment and so much more, for they had no interest in truth, just a desire to further their ideological persuasion and that starts with Trump long before he was elected. And, sadly, and similarly with Never Trumpsters of all persuasions, it has nothing to do with his performance but with his personality and they see him as a direct threat to their pampered Beltway lifestyle which Trump wants to end. And he does so with the best of intentions which is why he was elected, to Clean the Swamp. And I truly believe the result on November 3rd will be the opening of the drain plugs to do just that. That's my position and I'm sticking to it.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: If They Come for You, What Will You Do?

10/18/2020

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Naked and cold, Bonhoeffer died with courage, point a finger to the sky and looking to heaven with a smle before being put to death.
“This is the end. For me, the beginning of life."
                                                          - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, April 9, 1945

Many among us are fearful today as we witness the mass breakdown of societal norms and standards. We don't know what to expect, when or what will come and how we are likely to respond. Well, the answer to that is not a difficult one, but it does require courage. And so, on today's Sunday Morning Coming Down, I want to offer an example of what a brave man of the twentieth century did to deal with those fears, while later offering words that should warm our hearts and keep us strong.


On April 9, 1945, mere weeks before World War II ended with the surrender of Nazi Germany, a brave German Lutheran minister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was awakened at dawn to face his fate with death by hanging.  Bonhoeffer had been well known in the United States as a superb man of faith, preaching with dignity and grace about his love for Christ and what it should truly mean to  us.  Rather than staying safe in the United States where he was welcome after his many wonderful sermons, he said of learning about The Reich and what Hitler had in store for his homeland, he needed to go home and be with his original parishioners, saying that was his calling. And back in Germany where his own church had been co-opted by blasphemy as many allowed Hitler to be placed at the same level as God in their teachings, Bonhoeffer instead went underground in order to keep the traditionalists pure.  He masked his mission by working in an administrative capacity for the state, while also sending information to the Allies by way of London. He was caught in 1943 and sentenced to prison, where he remained while awaiting his punishment, but rather than languish in sorrow and self-pity, he ministered to his guards, other prisoners and even his doctor assigned to keep him well. After all, Germany saw him as prize to use as evidence for their good treatment of captives, a propaganda gimmick to cover her crimes. But when it finally became apparent that the Reich would be totally defeated and offered no special terms by suing for peace, those plans were cancelled and Bonhoeffer's fate was sealed on that April morning.

Before dawn on that day, Bonhoeffer was suddenly awakened, ordered to strip of his clothing on a frosty morning, and forced to walk barefoot and naked across the cold cobblestone courtyard to the nearby gallows. As he prepared to climb the final steps of his life, he showed a dignity, grace and courage of amazing strength, raising his right arm upward with index finger pointed toward heaven as he looked skyward with a big smile of hope on his face. He climbed the steps, said a short prayer to God and accepted his fate.  It was so dramatic, and he had developed such a rapport with both prisoners and guards that many quickly realized there was something so powerful and so glorious that had given him his strength that it must be true. Even his prison doctor was converted almost on the spot, saying there could be no other answer for real Truth other than the beliefs of Bonhoeffer.

So, what can we in 2020 learn from this story. Well, it's really quite simple.  Just as Jesus died on the Cross for us and yet returned from the dead, we also can avoid death by taking Him into our hearts and giving our lives to Him. For no matter what we face and how brutal it might seem, the Way of Jesus is the way of Salvation and Eternal Life.  You see, evil societies and their minions can physically abuse us and even torture us, but through the gift that Jesus brought us, that pain and suffering can be overcome. He will never allow us to withstand more than we can take, and if we stand strong for Him and stick to His wishes for us, in the end we will exchange this mortal life for a love of such beauty and splendor in  a new body which feels no pain or suffering. If we choose not to do so with our free will, well, I will just leave the result of that to your own imagination. But remember, it will ultimately be in darkness, not in warm and uplifting light. And that, my friends, is my message this day. Be blessed on this Sunday, the Lord's Day and just know that He is always there for us. He will never fail us, but He expects us to come to Him and accept it, not the other way around. So, be of good cheer, for the Lord, God is near and He awaits us. Are you ready?

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Free Speech IS NOT Under the Dominion of Facebook/Other Social Media

10/15/2020

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Sooner or later it happens, if you are honest and true.
Over the last several days,  I have been considerably upset by the behavior of Democratic Senators on the Judiciary Committee in the manner and,  in some cases, the content of questions asked of Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett during her confirmation hearings prior to the Senate vote on her nomination to the United States Supreme Court.  Some of it was subtle, some of it was nasty, some of it was rude. Sure, the Democrats have a right to ask tough questions, but they also should be civil and they are, indeed, not being so at all.

I think a number of examples should be mentioned to make it clear so there is no question of what I am referring to. Before doing so, however, I think it very important to make a few comments on Judge Barrett's stellar reputation in her line of work, her approach to good living as a loving mother and wife, a friend who gives of herself to others she knows in times of need, and her strong faith in living by the laws of God and always carrying herself with grace, dignity  and kindness, even when dealing with adversity is the kind of person we need so desperately in high office. And what's more, her talent and wisdom presented is so needed today. After all, how many of you can image going through a grueling grilling as she has face with nothing more than a blank tablet at hand. Yet she answered every question with full knowledge of the content of question being asked with a memory recall like I've never seen before.

So, in looking at the vitriol of the Democrats, let's focus on a couple of big players who openly showed disdain for Judge Barrett and remember, these are the same Democrats who went out of their way to destroy the reputation of Justice Kavanaugh, the most recent new justice prior to Judge Barrett. First, and probably the worst, is Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a woman so filled with hate and an empty mind that her comments would have been laughable had they not been so hurtful.  As one of her questions, she asked Judge Barrett if she ever sexually assaulted anyone back in her college days. Really, Senator, are you really so limited in questions to ask that you stooped to such a vile level? Also, Senator, do you not have the common sense and decency not to talk about such things in front of Judge Barrett's children who were in attendance?  Sadly, the answer is that yoiu have no common sense or decency and you are truly vile.

And then there were Senators Leahy and Durbin who over and over again tried to get the Judge to answer hypotheticals or commit to agreeing to statements which would have violated her requirements for remaining impartial and noncommittal on matters which could still be subject to court action. Senator Blumenthal did more of the same, then tried to pin her in a corner when Judge Barrett told him what he was complaining about was exactly what nominees from his own party had done during their hearing, thereby silencing him. And there with others like Senator Coons and Booker, again shilling for the Left. In fact, the only Democratic Senator I heard really compliment her was Senator Feinstein who, while not agreeing with Judge Barrett, did congratulate her on her mastery of her subject matter knowledge and analytical skills.

But I save my last bit of disgust for Joe Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris. Harris, as is her manner, showed total lack of respect, arrogance and condescension in attempting to excoriate Judge Barrett, yet watched it all masterfully turned back in her face. She was reduced to a bowl of shaking Jello by the time the nominee was finished wit her and rightfully so. Yet it was done with poise and grace, not anger and venom. And it is with this knowledge that I responded to a post on Facebook about a statement made by Harris, and that's why I am writing this today.  I said that Harris was vile and basically, was unqualified to be in high office based on how she handled herself. I have every right to say that and I did but, not unexpectedly, the wizard of community standards at Facebook shut me down, saying my comments were not in line with their nebulous standards which they  use clearly to limit any reasonable dissent from their site.

But on this, the day after this commentary was drafted, I find I now get the last laugh. Reading some of the morning headlines that you won't find on the biased mainstream media, we learn that the evidence that Joe Biden not only knew of his son's involvement in corruption with corrupt Ukrainian government officials, but that he was actively involved in it himself. It seems that the smoking gun evidence of that fact is now out and Breitbart News, always willing and never afraid to publish, has put it up for the world to see.  And guess what else has happened?  Well, Facebook, yes Facebook, has blocked and taken down any and all references to the matter in their efforts to violate their moral need to be truthful and show just how biased they are politically. How sad but how true. So, you won't find this commentary on Facebook, but I am publishing it here and passing it around through other channels. And yes, my lock out will soon end and I will be allowed to publish again, but if you want to read such things, kindly look for me on Parler instead or right here on this website.  They are open for business for free and honest information for all of us  to post and read.  Be blessed, folks, for this is just one small issue but it needed to be said and I hope more of you will have the courage to do the same. God bless you, each and every one. Let's keep free speech alive, shall we?

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The Stillness and Quiet of a Foggy October Morning

10/13/2020

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There's a quiet joy to the stillness of a foggy rural morn
Those of you who loyally follow my blog no of the reverence with which I treat my early mornings. There's something so fresh and pure about the early morning air that it focuses my attention on the beginning of each day as I watch the natural elements unfold according to God's plan.  And while we all love the brightness of a beautiful sunrise, even storms or also a fog bank offer wonders to enjoy if we just watch silently and listen.  All sounds are muffled and even the horses, anxious to run into the barn for their grain breakfast notice the unique nature of the stillness of a foggy day.

I see and feel the minute droplets of fog upon my face as I walk to the gate. The horses are gathered near the gate, always wanting to be far removed from the darkness of the deep woods when site obscured.  After all, they are flight animals and with occasional sitings of black bear and even the rare Florida panther in these parts, their senses are well toned to any potential predator. But after sixteen years it has never happened  and for that I am thankful.  The two Great Pyrenees report to the barn, signaling that their all night guard duty and that they were now hungry. So, I feed them, get the grain ready for the horses and let them in.  The only noticeable sound is their soft crunching noises as they enjoy their meal. It is a very soft and comforting game as they show their commitment.  And last, as if a miracle, the barn cats show up , not wanting to show how pleased they are with a zero rodent assault overnight while begging for their Meow Mix. They are loyal to a fault and they show the Pyrenees they better stay true or they will take all the credit for work provided.  It is a great competition which all win, for everyone gets their food and we benefit from their hard work.

By now, the sun is rising and trying to show itself with its warmth having the power over the cool clouds which are not a good match. I look to the east and as I take a photo of the sun slowly melting the fog, the evidence is clear from the increasing evidence that the clouds are thin and the sky above will be crystal clear and very  blue, and within little more than an hour a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky appears. There is no longer any evidence of the clouds and I know God smiles down from above and I look skyward and nod in appreciation. And I think to myself how fortunate I am for living in rural North Florida and seeing all the little miracles and God's love in action, something I might never have appreciated as I do now.  Thank you, Lord, for giving me these moments and thank you for the magic of your natural world. Help us to always remember it is our responsibility to keep it for those to come as well.

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CELEBRATE POLITICAL INCORRECTNESS: IT'S COLUMBUS DAY

10/12/2020

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On this glorious Monday in October, we celebrate  a great explorer, Christopher Columbus. And while it is true he had many faults, he also was very brave and fearless as any mariner roaming the world in tiny ships at sea had to be. But he also had a yen for his destiny, to travel far and explore the earth to find out what was out there. And he did so well and, for that, we celebrate his life on this day. And I would ask any of you who want to criticize him, to put yourselves in his shoes of his time and day, and you cannot fail to recognize his accomplishments or you are just a fool.

Shown here is a scale reproduction of the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus' flagship which led his three ship fleet to the New World.  A merchant ship of its day known as a carrack, it weighed in at  400-600 tons and was approximately 75 feet in length. By today's standards it was tiny and it was tasked with completing the treacherous voyage across the Atlantic, a voyage which took about two months in duration and was fraught with unknown danger.

At the time little was known about the world's geography, Columbus and explorers of his time thought by sailing west across the Atlantic they would eventually run into China and the Far East.  They had no conception of the large continent in between, North America, or the expanse of the Pacific Ocean beyond.  So when they  found Cuba three months later they thought it was China and they suspected that the Isle of Hispaniola, where he established his first colony, was likely Japan.

Columbus' efforts started the impetus by Spain, England and France to explore the western seas as they knew there was a wealth of treasure awaiting.  All of us of past English, Spanish or French descent, as well as all Europeans who came to this great land, likely would not be here now had it not been for such great explorers who braved the elements to expand their national horizons.  And for the anti-Columbus movements of those agitators who are in significant number today, they suffer from either jealousy or are angry that America grew from this early beginning and they want to void it with a rewrite of history. I say that they are way past that point in time and need to focus on something that is worthwhile other than hate.  You can't put the truth back in a bottle just because you don't like it.  The adventurous nature of man has led to great explorations since he was created, spreading his culture to places previously not imagined.  This spirit and adventure is what led to the greatness that became America, the most noble experiment in government the world has ever known. So it's time to get over it and face the truth instead of fabricating a substitute.

So, on this day in history, let's celebrate, not scorn, the brave adventures of Columbus and how he paved the way to America's future.  And for those of you who celebrate Indigenous People's Day I say good for you.  But history is history and life is life and political correctness, an attempt to rewrite history to support a dogma that is mostly alien in America, can never take away from the truth of history, exemplified by events and feats by men such as Columbus.  Thank God he came.  And maybe there is another good point to be made.  Perhaps all of those politically correct ivy covered tower professors should have to leave the comfort of their beautiful campus lives and simulate the experience like Columbus and his men went through in the days gone by.  Maybe, just maybe they would appreciate their courage and bravery instead of trying to change history to a pie in the sky notebook of rubbish. Or maybe they would just be lost at sea.  Either way, I think the world would be better off for it.  Just a thought, folks, just a thought.


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    ABOUT ME

    Hi, I'm James, a writer who studies nature,  animals and all things created by God. I also write from time to time about what I think God expects of us.  I would love to hear your thoughts on these subjects. I hope you enjoy my comments.

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