Monday, September 30, 2024

TV Parental Guidelines Rating Board - Media Power at its Worst

 I was curious how the self proclaimed TV Parental Guidelines Rating Board was doing in assigning ratings to TV shows.  The TV show  I chose was "How to Die Alone".  The rating TV MA, L.  In the Guidelines Rating Board language that stands for Mature Audiences Only.  The program is designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17.  The "L" descriptor was assigned due to crude indecent language.  But from past experiences with Parental Guidelines approved ratings, I wanted to see if the show had addressed any presence of same sex material in the show.  True to Parental Guidelines Rating Board practices, the show had not properly addressed the sexual content of the show.  After some 15-20 minutes, a brief scene appeared of a scenes showing two males laying in a bed under covers engaged in sexual activity.  I think the program should have been assigned an S descriptor also.

There are several descriptors which could have been applied for an S - sexual situations descriptor assignment.  The scene definitely fit somewhere between some sexual situations, intense sexual situations, or explicit sexual activity.  On the Parental Guidelines Rating Board website, there are no definitions explaining  what is "some sexual" versus intense sexual" or "explicit sexual".  Is it up to the viewer to decide what fits each category?  Why are there no definitions shared with the public?  Probably because the Board wants you to stay out of their business of assigning ratings any damn way they want to.  Who asked you for your input?

If you go to the Board's website at http://www.tvguidelines.org/ratings.html you will notice that since 2021, the Board has not provided an update on how it carries out its mission.  The absence of definitions, shared with the public, is a major problem.  There are no definitions defining the differences between each level for language, sexual situations or violence.  For example, what is moderate violence versus intense violence?  What is strong coarse language versus crude indecent language?

There is a need to keep the ratings assigned in view for at least 30 seconds rather than the 15 currently required.  As a consumer you need to demand accuracy of the product that is being thrust out at you with inaccurate ratings.  Or do you normally accept people giving you anything and you just take it regardless of the quality of the product?



 


Covid Comes to Visit

 After ignoring me for over 4 years, Covid 19 finally paid me a visit.  It was an unexpected visit.  I had not extended Covid a personal invitation to stop by and stay awhile.  Covid brought with it a suitcase packed with high fever, congestion, runny nose, cough (that still persist) and aches and pains.  Covid did  not care that I had made plans to take a trip via a plane the next day for ironically a medical exam back home.  No, Covid just barged into my life and told me that it was staying at least a week, so adjust my life accordingly.

When Covid speaks, unfortunately, it has the power to back up what it wants done.  So the next week was spent reacting to the needs and demands of Covid.  Rest, taking fever fighting over the counter medications, cough syrup, and keeping facial tissue handy became my Covid support routine.  I had no one to go run errands to the store for food and medications.  I simply put on a mask and applied hand sanitizer to my hands before and after going into stores. 

I thought about when Covid had first visited people in 2020.  Many of those hosts did not survive the visit.  They became severely ill and many died.  Thousands and thousands of people of all ages.  I don't know if past vaccines I took, the last one was 2 years ago, prevented me from having a deadly reaction to my guest, Covid 19.  The worst part of the visit was the high fever Covid brought and feeling tired. I forced myself to eat to keep my strength up.  I had money to purchase food and the necessary medications I needed to feed Covid and keep its behavior semi constructive.  So, I thank God for having come out of it with just the lingering cough as a side effect.  I will find out what lingering impacts Covid's visit will have on my health.

Ironically, I got my yearly Flu shot 2 weeks after Covid visited me.  I added a Covid vaccine to my vaccination routine.  One visit by Covid is enough for me.  I have put out the No Vacancy sign for future Covid visits.  Lesson learned, to support maintaining good health, get your Covid vaccination.



Tuesday, September 10, 2024

A National Disgrace 45th President acts a fool.

 The performance by former President Trump was simply disgraceful.  He attempted to raise and appeal to fear by making claims that there are murderers crossing the border by the milliions killing Americans.  He is attempting to appeal to the fears of white people as politicians historically tried to do in raising fears about black people.

He simply made claims about how bad things are, would not answer questions, not address policy ideas. Who in the world would vote for him?

It's like asking the Jewish people in 1935, "Would you vote for Adolph Hitler if he promises to improve your ability to pay bills and live a decent life?"



Friday, August 30, 2024

Copy Cat Culture

 I am watching via streaming the World Under 20 track championships being held in Lima, Peru.  As the athletes are being introduced several are displaying the same self promoting behaviors they have learned over the years from so called professional athletes and our culture.  Some are pulling at their jersey promoting the name of their country.  Some are making gestures taught from watching videos of entertainers.  A few are just being stone faced and not making the worldly gestures.  They haven't sold out and have not gone into a copy cat mode.

What I am seeing is that many of the youth, who talk about originality, are not displaying any originality.  They are only displaying the antics of others whom initiated the selfish "it's all about me" behavior.  It would be even more impressive if they gave honor and thanks to God for their being able to do what they are doing.  Instead people make an image of a heart with their two hands.  At times I see athletes acknowledging God via a prayer or by pointing to the sky.  They get it.  It's not about our human selfishness and what we can do as humans.  It's about humbling ourselves, acknowledging and following God, and then taking actions that glorify God and carry out what God wants us to do in terms of our human inactive behavior.  The opening ceremonies of the Olympics wasn't complete because the ceremony did not make time to acknowledge God.  That came later in the comments of individual athletes who gave God the glory and credit for their performance.  Human stupidity and self centered actions continue.  Let's turn it around.  Think God first.



Wednesday, August 28, 2024

"The Forge" - an alternative to the madness of the world

 I found "The Forge" to be a realistic story with an ending that is achievable.  In an error when bloody, violent, horror films are appearing more and more at theaters, I enjoyed "The Forge".  I urge families to see the movie together, especially if you have middle school boys or teenagers.   The lesson of a religious/spiritual alternative to your lifestyle is realistic.  Life is not easy.  "The Forge" presents a way boys, and men can bind together to combat the issues we encounter in life.  Please go see it.  If you are short on cash, try Regal theaters on Tuesdays as that is the discount viewing day.



Thursday, August 22, 2024

A prayer for Kamala Harris using Psalm 72

 Tonight may be a beginning to a change in the spiritual morality of these United States of America.  Kamala Harris speaks to the citizens and also to the world tonight as a candidate for President of the United States.  The first woman to hold the office.  The first woman of color to become this country's leader.

God, we ask you to empower her even more with a love of Justice and righteousness.  Help her judge your people in the right way and empower her to always ensure the poor are treated fairly and with respect.  Allow her to lead the way for spiritual and emotional prosperity for all.  Help her to defend and rescue the poor and needy and to oversee punishment of those who oppress them.  May her leadership be as refreshing and inspiring as rain on freshly cut grass.  May all who honor and obey God flourish during her leadership.  May she oversee the opportunity for humble prosperity for all.  May leaders around the world respect and follow her support for spiritual decision making.  Guide her to lead us spiritually to turn away from the violence that overwhelms us.  Guide her to make decisions that support the Earth remaining fruitful and food abundant for all.  May this country be blessed by decisions she makes with God in mind.  It's in Jesus name we pray.   Amen



Saturday, August 17, 2024

Social Media - Time for a reboot

 I have believed for years, that in general people want their views and opinions heard. Then people want an action taken or some result from their opinion being hears. Sometimes a person's comments are an emotional release. An opportunity to tell a famous person off, or at least embarrass that personality. There are some who express original ideas, but I have come across no one in this social media era who fits the saving grace and great idea category.

Social media has turned into a bully pulpit. An emotional non stop hurricane of emotional vitriol, nasty, disrespectful comments devoid of any redeeming value. Social media 1.0 championed by a number of brands, has been a failure of ultimate proportions. 85% of the comments need to be filed in a garbage can and immediately sent to a dump or incinerate, never to be seen again. 

With that thought, I deleted one of my main social media accounts and am debating closing out the remaining two. Some items on social media are interesting,  but none of what I have seen has made me a better person. Plus most lack a spiritual foundation that brings me closer to a relationship with God. If that objective is not met, what is the point of the comments?

Someone I met created a video commentary platform where he basically focuses on criticism of celebrities. He does not focus on providing helpful tips on how to become a better spiritual person. So what does he accomplish? He has over 1,000 followers but they do not view all of his videos.  People just want their viewpoints heard, The same as I am doing now. My message. If what you have just read does not impact yor view of social media, I have wasted my time and yours! 



Wednesday, July 24, 2024

An Open Letter to President Biden, Vice President Harris, Attorney General Garland and my elected officials

 Sonya Massey.  Thirty-six years of age.  Killed by gunfire from an Illinois Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy on July 6.  Sonya had called 911 to seek help from law enforcement.  What she received was an execution by law enforcement.  This type of law enforcement response has become an expected event.  An event that we stop to shake our heads at, feel remorse, then move on until we hear of the next victim. Then we repeat the cycle of remorse. Time…and time…and time again.  After each murder, nothing happens in terms of hiring processes of law enforcement officials.  There is no time out called for law enforcement heads to review use of force procedures.  There is no outrage by our elected federal officials calling for investigations and asking for the resignations of those in charge of law enforcement.  Why not?

Is it acceptable that being a law enforcement officer means killing a citizen is an allowable condition?  Is it okay that a citizen is killed in the course of a police officer, or sheriff’s deputy’s actions on the job?  If it is a failure of the Secret Service to have not stopped a would-be assassin from firing shots at a candidate, why is it not a failure of law enforcement when people are needlessly killed during an interaction between citizens and law enforcement?  Are we now at the point where if you are a person of color, you handle threats to your life yourself rather than call 911 and the police to come to your aid?  Must people of color arm their households to police ourselves and our neighborhoods?  If we call 911, do we need to say, “please do not send a white, European American policeman or sheriff who has no experience living among people of color?”  Will attention be given to this situation only if a celebrity speaks out about the issue?  Will more attention and a stop to these murders only happen if the victims are white, of European American heritage?  These are some of the questions.  What are the answers?

What are you doing to put an end to these senseless acts of murder by law enforcement?  Why are you not doing more?

The actions by these law enforcement officers shows a pattern of behavior that has not been addressed by systemic changes and improvements in the hiring, training, and development of law enforcement officials.  This is especially true as these are public service jobs where people hired are given weapons which can kill the people they are sworn to protect.

 We need a nationwide academy teaching best practices, especially best practices in interacting with citizens holding weapons other than guns.  Best practices in interacting with people who may have mental disabilities. Creation of a model use of force policy.  Enhanced screening of applicants for law enforcement positions, especially those allowed to carry a weapon.

The killer of Sonya Massey had a law enforcement partner by his side. That partner did nothing to deescalate the situation.  That should not be an allowable standard practice of a law enforcement officer.  It should be a daily discussion among partners that only certain situations will require use of a weapon against a citizen.

These are the issues.  What is your response?  A lack of a response by you tells me that we are on our own and we should best protect ourselves, because no one is coming to our aid.  That means people of color should definitely consider a law enforcement officer approaching us or at our door a threat to our lives, so act accordingly.  Is that what you advocate?  Please do not say just comply with the instructions of the law enforcement person.  Watch the video involving the interaction and compliance of Sonya Massey to the request of the law enforcement officer.

In life, we are told to “never forget”.  Whether it be the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 during World War II.  Whether it be the Holocaust carried out in Germany during World War II.  Whether it be terrorists crashing commercial airplanes into buildings in 2001 during 9/11.  Conversely, we are also told to “put the past behind us and move on” when it comes to the past history of lynching of people of color in the United States of America.  Put the past behind us and move on when discussions come up about the institution of slavery that existed in the United States of America.  Is your answer that the murder of people of color by law enforcement is just another response  of “put the past behind and move on?”

The American public.  Where are you?  You march and protest against a war halfway across the world, but show no compassion or anguish for your own fellow citizens.

President Biden.  In your speech to the American people tonight, you did not mention any plans to address this tragic systemic problem. Is it not important that this situation that repeats itself and destroys families be ended?  What are you going to do?  If you have no response at all that is the same as your saying, “it’s not important to me.”



Monday, July 22, 2024

Biden meets his Moses Moment. Next : Kamala's spiritual growth moment

 You have to applaud President Biden for humbling himself and accepting the realities of his age, health, and true ability to manage the office of the President of the United States.  There is no shame to accepting the limitations of our humanity.  Biden should be proud of the accomplishments of the federal government during his leadership and term as President.  Managing the recovery from Covid was a challenging task in many ways.

Next up.  Kamala Harris.  There still are events with Biden that could thrust Harris into the role of President before November and before January.

One key issue Harris needs to address are her views on abortion.  Kamala may benefit politically if she clarifies that a decision on abortion should not be a governmental decision, or court decision.  Instead it  should be a personal spiritual decision each individual makes.  It's not about human rights, or the rights of a woman.  It's about God's intent on how we should value the ability to create life.  It's not about abortion being humanly legal or illegal based on our "laws" or the constitution.  The issue needs to be raised above the category of human law.  It has been proven since the days of the Old Testament, that written laws by themselves cannot improve human behavior.

So, Vice President Harris.  Please elevate the abortion issue to the responsibility of the individual(s) involved in creation of the life.  That includes the cases of rape and the mother's life being endangered by a birth.  A decision to terminate life being able to exist and grow is of course one of the most important decisions a person can make.  It's an issue that has direct human connection to our Creator.  A human decision first must come through a connection to God, seeking His assistance in making the correct spiritual, not human decision.  If a life is ended, that may be the life that would have one day created the cure for the human diseases that currently plague us.  The aborted life may have been the person who could have lead the way to bringing peace to various places in the world.

But with all the human distractions in front of her, she needs us to remind her of the responsibility to lead a dialogue on the issue.



Thursday, July 18, 2024

Stupid Human Tricks: Episode 289

 "Prime Video, Amazon MGM studios, Sony pictures television and the producers of The Boys, oppose,in the strongest terms. real world violence of any kind."  This was the disclaimer attached to the viewer discretion warning of an episode of the Boys.  Apparently it relates to the content of the episode having some similarities to the recent assassination attempt on POTUS45.  Here is a thought!  If you really oppose violence of any kind, don't create and then show an episode dealing with real world violence!  Human stupidity reigns!



Wednesday, July 17, 2024

God's Rebellious People

 After the assassination attempt last weekend, I thought this would be a defining moment in the 2024 Presidential election.  Would the close call with death transform the former 45th President of the United States into a rationale, God fearing politician?  The answer came quickly.  There was no quote of the 45th President thanking God for his surviving the attempt on his life.  Instead there was business as usual.  He had an opportunity to change his ways.  He assumed it was God blessing his candidacy.  Why didn't he think it was a message from God that he needed to change his ways?  45 has been called a narcissist and he definitely displayed that behavior by not thanking God foremost for being able to see the world and his family still.

Now Joe Biden in his eighties has Covid.  The drama train is rolling down the tracks almost pulling into the station now.  We have a President well past his prime; a deranged former President; and a capable Vice President waiting in the wings for the next chapter to occur.  This play can take several directions.  Will failing health be the deciding factor in President Biden deciding to step down from the office of President of the United States?  Will Biden be more humble than the 45th President was after being an inch away from departing this life?

As I write this politicians are gathered in Milwaukee believing that they are charting the course for the future of the United States of America.  How many of them are even thinking about what God wants done in this dramatic governmental situation of 2024?  It's just more of the same politics as usual.  People gathering thinking they can do something to "solve" the problems of the world.

That's not what we are here for people.  There will be no heaven on earth, don't you get it?  This is our temporary home.  No matter what happens with the Presidency, the expectations of God from us will not change.  God is still waiting on us to focus on the way of life God intended us to have.  

Our human drama continues.  Next chapter.



Friday, July 12, 2024

Biden's "Moses and the Rock" Moment

 In Numbers 20:6-8, God instructs Moses and Aaron to specifically speak to a rock, "...and it will pour out its waters."  But in Numbers 20:11 Moses does what Moses wants to do. "Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out."

President Biden is facing his "Moses Moment".  Biden is ignoring what time had done to his body and mind.  In the face of evidence, that being his actions and behavior over the past year, Biden seems to think his own beliefs override the evidence.  His pride has made him strike the rock twice rather than step aside as the Democratic candidate, or even better for the country to step aside as President and allow the Vice President to assume the Presidency, at least for the next 4 months.

The world will be okay without you as President, Mr. Biden.  The 45 Presidents before you all relinquished authority.  Some had no choice.  You have a choice.  Again, thank you for your service over the past 4 years.  But, it's time to move on.



Saturday, July 6, 2024

Joe, maybe the Lord tried to tactfully tell you to "Joe, it's time to go!"

 The ABC interview of President Biden did raise some additional questions.  Is it Biden's human pride that is keeping him in the race?  Does he not want to relinquish one of the world's most powerful positions to a woman of color?  Would doing so violate some European American male credo?  Does he really think no one can do a better job than him? Even the person in the position of Vice President who exists to do exactly that!  That being to step in when a President is unable to carry out the role of President.

Biden is coming off as arrogant in his refusal, as that of the normal behavior of Trump!  If this is how Biden behaves when asked questions, how does he respond in crisis situations?  A fumbling incoherent response is not what is needed in those instances.

Resign now President Biden.  Kamala Harris is ready.  It is her moment.  Does the Lord have to speak louder for you to hear the message?



Tuesday, July 2, 2024

How do you declare weather historical, if there are no records going back 100 years plus?

 I keep hearing weather newscasters talk about historical storms, historical hurricanes.  But, I thought I heard someone say that records on storms only date back to 1963?  The satellite technology we have today did not exist 60 years ago.  Our ability to predict coming storms did not exist until the past 60 years or so.  There was a comment that hurricane Beryl was the earliest category 4 hurricane in recorded history.  So what year did this "recorded history" start?  When did hurricanes start being recorded?

We need to push back at these historical pronouncements being made by weather officials.  What is the supporting evidence to their statements?  They need to clarify the definition of recorded weather history.  




Monday, July 1, 2024

What Jesus says about how to live our lives.

 The bible actually contains guidance to us mere humans on what behavior we should demonstrate every day.  Let's go to Matthew in the bible.  When Jesus lived among humanity, Matthew recorded Jesus's statements about the kind of behavior, the Father, God, expects us to display.  Let's see what Matthew 5 through 7 say.

Jesus talked about human characteristics/behavior that should be blessed:  

1. Those who seek spiritual enrichment and knowledge to help them lead the life God wants them to lead.  

2. Those who mourn during difficult times. 

3. People who are humble and who don't always tout themselves or their accomplishments.  

4. Those who fight for justice.  

5. Those who show mercy to others.  

6. Having pure intentions, not those based on personal gain. 

7. Those who seek peace and end to conflicts. 

8.  Those who are punished and persecuted for doing the right thing, and 

9.  Those who follow God's teachings despite being mocked and criticized by others.

Jesus said we should display our beliefs in him openly.  Their is no need to hide.  We need to control our human lusts.  Avoid situations that feed that lust or don't allow visuals to feed a lustful desire.  If you promise God something, follow through to the completion.  Do not seek revenge against another person. Love your enemy through peaceful coexistence.  Give to those in need.  Give God sincere prayers and don't pray lofty prayers to impress others.  If you fast to bring focus to your spiritual goals, do so privately not for recognition of your fasting. Don't focus on monetary and earthly material things as the goal of life.  Our life here is temporary.  Focus on gaining admission to the gate leading to eternal life.  Do not worry about every day life events.  Seek the kingdom of God, not an earthly heaven.  Do not judge others.  Go to God with your earthly requests. They may not always be given to you, but asking and seeking from God is the first step.  And finally, understand that the path to heaven requires much discipline and attention to detail in your behaviors.   The highway to hell is easy to navigate.  But the road to heaven requires thought, planning, and actions on our part.

All of these are part of the roadmap Jesus gave us to find and gain eternal life.  Place those ingredients in your life bowl and stir.  Bake until done!



Saturday, June 29, 2024

Does Biden's Health Compare to that of President Roosevelt's in 1944?

 I did not watch the debate.  We already knew what physical and mental shape he was in at age 81.  Father time has taken its toll.  He was retired and doing what he wanted to do when the 45th President, elected in 2016 continued to act a fool.  Saying and doing the ridiculous things American citizens wanted him to say.  45 was an obvious threat to the better principles of the United States of America.  Joe as the former Vice President under President Obama, had stepped aside in the 2016 election to pave a path for the first woman to become President of the United States.  The Hollywood script unfortunately did not turn out the way everyone thought it would.  As the 45th President's behavior continued to be far from Presidential, Joe Biden felt compelled to seek public service again and campaign for the office of President of the United States.

Unfortunately, time does continue and the abilities Joe had then have diminished.  We all know that and can see that.  Why won't he step aside?  Only he knows.  Is it that he does not believe this racist country would allow his Vice President, a woman of color,  to suceed him as the 47th President of the United States?  I think that is one reason.  But, the "party" Joe is a member of could find someone else to nominate for President.  An  unlikely thing since Kamala was chosen as the person best skilled to take over for Joe Biden if something happened to him.

Well, maybe it's time for Joe to resign and allow Kamala to create a record as President in the 4 months til the election.  The racists are already primed to react negatively to Kamala if she takes office  now,   Some reactions will be  based on Kamala's policy viewpoints.  But come on people.  This is the United States of America.  The country were democracy allowed the enslavement of people of color for over 150 years as property of mostly European Americans.  As with President Obama there will be backlash just based on the heritage and color of Vice President Harris.

All I can say is Joe, thank you for your service.  I pray you are able to step down from the position of President of the United States and enjoy whatever time you have left on this earth. You deserve it.  You have earned it.

To Vice President Harris.  You know what's coming.  Prepare yourself.  Be in prayer that you govern as God would want you to govern.

There is precedent for the failing health of a President.  President Roosevelt in 1944 ran for a fourth term.  His health had begun to decline before the end of his 3rd term.  Roosevelt was 63 years old when he passed away in 1945.  His vice president, Harry Truman, did okay for himself as the new President.  It's time to give Kamala Harris the opportunity.  Opportunity which historically the United States of America, did not want to give people of color for hundreds of years.



Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Abdul Jabaar features Boston Celtics coach's "religious" comments

 I saw a headline in Mr. Abdul Jabaar's blog about the Boston Celtics coach, who is black, missing an opportunity to make a comment  on "race".  Abdul Jabaar had featured an article by reporter Vincent Goodwill.  Goodwill had an issue with the Boston Coach responding to a question regarding 2 black coaches in the NBA finals by responding, "I wonder how many of those have been Christian coaches?" 

I thought the response was a good answer to a repetitive human question regarding race as a defining factor.  Why isn't someone's religious belief not mentioned in discussions?  Is not that as important or more important than a person's race?  Of course there was no follow up to the coaches responses.  Apparently, sports reporters do not know how to deal with issues dealing with religious beliefs as they relate to one's profession.

I did not see what Abdul Jabaar's opinion was regarding the response.  Can you share that with us Mr. Abdul Jabaar?



Wednesday, May 22, 2024

An Individual Neutral Human

 In January 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) established a new participant category.  Labeled "Individual Neutral Athlete", this category allows individual athletes from countries banned from the Olympics to  participate in the games.  These neutral athletes will participate under the abbreviation "AIN" which comes from the French translation, Athletes Individuels Neutres.  No references to the athletes countries will be made during the Olmpic competitions.  Even better, no anthems, no flag, no colors or identification with a country will be displayed.  This would appear to be the purest of form of athletic competition.  It's not about divisiveness, not about geographical pride, not about ethnic superiority.  It's just about the competition and the results between indivduals competing because they have talent within their designated sport.

I would like to see a descriptor for non athletes.  Individul Neutral Human.  People labeled to our purest form.  Our one label as the descendants of the original people created by God. No human created labels for gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or country of allegiance.  No anthems or flags to which we have to stand for and pledge our loyalty or trust.  Just a simple designation as intended by God for all of us.  God the Creator, human beings the creation.

Will we ever reach a point where we could be all called an Individual Neutral Human?  That would mean equal status for all.  No preferential treatment.  No caste system to adhere to. No need for labeling each other due to the color of our skin or the economics of our household.  What a  nice change that would be!  Especially when completing questionnaires.  We can just skip down to the really important questions and not have to wade through 11 choices for our human gender.  

The human systems of caste, class division, economic division, and racism are barriers to us reaching a point where we are called Individual Neutral Human.  We think we are so intelligent, but are too stupid to understand that all these man made systems of division are partly what keeps us from achieving the purpose God created us for.  That reason was to fellowship with God and to take care of the planet Earth.

We can still reach the status of Individual Neutral Human.  It will take an individual choice by each of us to reject a lifestyle that takes us away from having God as a focus of our daily lives.  Concerns about worldly issues keeps us in a selfish state of mind.  A state of mind that focuses on such things as national unity, pride in a geographical location, and emotional attachment to a flag and a national anthem.  It's time that we cut ourselves loose from the selfish cord of humanity and became the person God wants you to be.  Become an Individual Neutral Human who focuses on being the type of human God meant for us to be.



Friday, May 17, 2024

The Highways of Life

 In the New Living Translation, Matthew 7;13-14 talks about the highway to hell.

We are born into this world.  At birth, we are not given an instruction manual on "how to live a Godly life".  Instead w are blessed if we even have someone called a mother, father, aunt, or grandparent who tries to guide us on how to behave as a human being.

After birth we start off in this world on highway 101 headed south to warm weather, human fun and adventures, and riches galore.  We are taught to idolize sports and athletes.  We salute our flags and play our national anthems.  We do whatever we as human beings want to do.

But as we go down highway 101, we start to see billboards.  Some say, "Jesus Saves".  Then we stop for gas, or for electric cars, we stop at a charging station to refuel.  At the stop someone may tell s about a man named Jesus Christ.  About God and somebody with a strange name of, Holy Spirit.  We listen for awhile, but highway 101 is calling us back to the road.  So we get back to the earthly journey, the adventures or mis adventures of life.  Then again we see the billboards about Jesus and then see large crosses built up on the side of the highway of life.

All of a suddenwe start seeing detour signs.  Detour to Salvation, next exit.  It's strange.  The Detour signs keep appearing.  Even if you have driven miles since the last Detour sign.  You start to wonder. What is this Salvation place?

As we get tired on the highway, we pull over into rest stops. Then we get some information.  Some brochures about this Jesus Christ and this Salvation place that we kept seeing Detour signs for,  Then we get back on highway 101 and eventually follow a detour sign which leads to this place called Salvation.  That's when your journey really begins.  After being on a 4 lane highway, the Detour route merges you onto a 1 lane road, only going in one direction.  It's a very narrow road, so you slow down. Every few miles you see a sign that allows you to merge back onto highway 101.  You see some people merging back on 101, while others continue on the road to Salvation.

Then you start seeing competing billboards. Signs about what you will find if you get bacck on highway 101. Luxurious material things.  The enjoyment of human vices. The freedom to go faster on highway 101.  But, the plain signs of Jesus Save, Salvation ahead still greet you.  You notice that the highway 101 signs are more colorful and bright.  They are made to appeal to your human senses.  You find yourself getting of that narrow road and getting back onto highway 101.

But the signs about Jesus and that place called Salvation and the detour signs are still on 101 serving as reminders that you still have a choice.  You start to notice that the gauge in your vehicle no longer shows how much elecric power or old school gasoline is left in your vehicle.  Will you get stuck on highway 101 when your fuel runs out?  Do you get off 101 and detour back to highway 1 and take that narrow road to Salvation before your fuel runs out?

It's time to make that decision.




Monday, May 13, 2024

Mr. Fortson and Mr. Rosario - Another wave of improper use of force?

 It is nothing new.  Policemen responding to a call for assistance.  We can imagine the adrenaline and apprehension they must feel as they approach a situation they have been sent to respond to.  The unknown awaits them.  The common thread they all have is they are armed to respond with deadly force to the situation.  That is there personal tool for saving their own lives.

But in two recent situations either lack of training, or unsubstantiated fear resulted in the police murder of a victim who need not have died.  An airman in Florida, Roger Fortson.  Shot to death as he stood in his apartment, one arm toward a sheriff at his door, and one arm with a gun pointed toward the floor.  The result 5 to 6 gunshots by the officer which resulted in Mr. Fortson later dieing of the wounds caused by the gunfire.

Nineteen year old Mr. Rosario in Queens, New York having a mental issue crisis.  Responding policeman attempt to tase him, but a situation when Mr. Rosario got a hold of a pair of scissors and approached the officers, resulted in Mr. Rosario being shot and killed by one of the policeman who had responded to the scene.

These events are nothing new.  Nor is the refusal to conduct a nation wide review of police training.  The refusal to stress de escalation continues.  The refusal to implement nation wide use of force policies continues.

Now the thought is building on how competent are the police to respond to a situation and a call for help?  If you do so, are the odds greater that the request will lead to the death of someone, possibly even yourself?  The competence of each officer to use a weapon only when necessary needs to be asked before they start their tour of duty.  Which officers are liable to shoot to kill first rather than deescalate.  This is a conversation every city with a police force should be having with local police, state police and sherriff departments.

Is it coming to the point where we have to defend ourselves against the police??




Wednesday, May 1, 2024

What Value does TV news have to your life?

 I was listening to another round of news being reported on local television stations.  One thing has become apparent.  News stations in different cities and sometimes within a city seem to report on the same "news".  It is further testimony that somewhere in these United States of America, a small group of people is deciding what it is you need to hear that day.

I was listening to the news report about a member of the British royal family and thought to myself, "Why are the goings on of a British monarch an important news story?  What information preseneted in that story is going to materially impact or change my life? The answer was, nothing. The caste systems in our world has concluded that the level of human importance of the royal family dictated that a story be shared to the world about it.  Did presenting that story change negative conditions in your community?  What did it do for you?

We need to expect and demand more from the news.  The personal events of somenone's life is not really news.  News is an item that helps develop or improve a person.

During your local news, ask yourself, "why is he/she  telling me this information?



Thursday, April 18, 2024

Our Video Game World = Stupid Human Tricks

 There it was on TV. A news clip showing Israel rockets soaring towards drones fired from Iran.  It brought back memories of the 1980s video game Galaga.  The object of that game was to shoot down approaching aircraft.  But, this was not a game.  It is reality.  Modern warfare is at the point that we send rockets and drones at each other.  The intent is the same.  The rocket or drone is expected to cause death and destruction. The same destruction that manned jets and planes brought in past armed conflicts.

This is the best we can do as human beings.  Resolve conflicts via video game techniques.  As with people who use guns to shoot others in a conflict situation, world leaders have decided to use missiles and drones as the upgraded guns of the military.  Both get the same result.  Someone dies or is maimed for life.  If there ever was an art of diplomacy, it seems to be on a long vacation.  Dialogue, discussion, and compromise appear to have left mankind as a skill and technique.  Instead we seek to destroy each other using technology.  Self destructive techniques in a "civilized" world.

My wish is that the nonsensical decisions of so called world "leaders" and the actions of terrorists, domestic and foreign just stay away from me and my family.  I would love to have the ability to put together a group and go visit leaders who instigate wars and acts of terror against people, only because they can.  The horrific actions of these leaders and terrorist needs to be inflicted upon them.  Their evil spirited stupidity impacts us all.  They need to be removed from this planet.  They are not helping us to be able to live spiritual lives devoted to the purpose and lifestyle our Creator wanted us to have on this planet.

Stop the stupid human tricks.  Create your area of solitude and evil.  Leave the rest of us alone.



Friday, April 5, 2024

Similarity to The Omen's Damien Thorn to todays D. T.

I was watching a video on social media.  A reporter was asking a candidate for President what were some of his favorite scriptures.  The candidate has the initials D.T.   The candidate refused to mention any scripture.  His reason was because it was personal.  I thought to myself, "here is a chance for you to inspire someone spirituality.  Can't you mention even one scripture?"  Then I thought to myself, who is afraid to mention scriptures?  The answer was Satan or someone who does not want the word of God even spoken.

This candidate started putting bibles for sale for $59.99.   I believe the funds will be going to his campaign or to his criminal defense fund.  Then I thought of the movie the Omen and the evil character Damion Thorn who was evil and Satanic.  Is it a coincidence that today's candidate has the initial D.T. and displays some of the same behavior as Damion Thorn did in the movie, The Omen?  Connect the dots.

It is not surprising that many people are following today's D.T.   Some people have always attached themselves to people who present selfish behaviors that appears to our own selfishness.  It is only further confirmation that life as it is today will one day come to an end.  The rise of such evil behavior will never go away.  

Seek life after death.  The antics and promises of evil based candidates such as Damian Thorn will not lead to everlasting life.




Saturday, March 23, 2024

Corporate America Applies Sanctions to my using "Human Being, Unlabeled Choice" as my race/ethnicty designation

 It did not take long.  After about a week of starting to respond with "Human Being, unlabeled" as my self identification of my race and ethnicity on surveys, my account  was suspended for earning rewards via Branded Surveys.  My refusal to allow myself to be categorized by the color of my skin, apparently was a violation of the human caste, label system which Branded Surveys apparently supports.

And so it begins.  The battle for my right to self identify my humanity as I so choose.  I choose to no longer go by the prescribed titles and categories created by humanity.  Those titles and labels only serve to divide us as humans and place fences between us.  By the labels created we are then expected to behave and show specific stereotypical traits.  I refuse to go along with that program.



Monday, March 18, 2024

My new racial category - Human Being Unlabeled (HBU)

 It became clear.  Suddenly.  For years, I have allowed society, my culture, and my country to place me in the category of "African American", "black", "Negro", "colored" and those other labels makind felt compelled to place on me.  We are all asked in surveys to identify our race/ethnicty.  Then follows a list of racial categories from "white" to "other".

After reading "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson, I decided her discussion made sense on how we are herded into human categories and groups.  What I also realized is that we willingly allow ourselves to be put into these categories. We are willing members of our caste groups.

I have decided that I no longer want to play the game.  I had no role in setting the rules of the game.  The rules were imposed upon me to behave as my category dictates.  I am supposed to be a minority in terms of my racial category.  Why am I a minority?  Why am I not defined as being in a higher category of humans because there are fewer people like me than others?

I have redefined myself.  From now on, on surveys or anything that asks me my race, I will identify myself as "human being unlabeled".  That means I am a descendant of the original creation of God, Man.  Anything after that in terms of racial labels created by society, cultures, whomever is irrelevant.

That is who and what I am.  The other parts of my character you can learn by talking to me and watching me in action.  Join me in being a "Human Being Unlabeled".


 


Saturday, March 16, 2024

What is really Important to you?

 My question.  Are the things on your mind now, those topics of concern to you, really your concerns or thoughts placed in your mind by the news media or social media?  Think about that.  Did you wake up thinking about the possibility of a nuclear war?  Or did a news item, or a social media post raise that thought in your mind?  Have you ever thought, "How much original thinking do I really do?"  Pause and give that some thought.  Are your thoughts and emotions driven by exterior forces?  Again, something you see or hear via teleovision, videos on our phones, tablets, etc.  ?  What are the sources of your thoughts?

Are we being manipulated to think about specific topics?  Are our thought processes being hijacked and taken for a ride by the schemes of others?  I submit that in some cases our focus is determined by "information", true or not, that is thrust out at us to get our attention and then to influence our behavior.  Realize that somewhere in the world, a group of people are gathered together to decide what top 10 stories to push out at you each day.  Why?  Some is straight forward information.  Some is an attempt to influence your thinking.  And some is just out right sending out of data not caring what the data can do in terms of influencing you.  Some information is sent out to solicit high ratings and interest for the economic benefit of the senders.  Some information is sent out to influence your thoughts and to influence the creation of public policies.

What can you do?  Always question the source and intent of the information you are receiving.  Think, "what is the goal of this information?"  When you wake up each day, try to write down your top 5 concerns that have not been influenced by information you received or saw via the news media or social media.  Those top 5 un influenced personal items are the ones that are more meaningful for you to focus on.

It's time for us take control of our own thoughts.  Stop letting others control what you think about and what should be important to you.



Monday, February 19, 2024

An Unofficial Banning of Books? - Use of Inter library loan process

 The Movie "Origin" made reference to a book titled "Deep South".  After viewing the movie, I did a search of my local Hamilton East (Fishers, Indiana) library's catalog.  Unfortunately, it was not among the holdings in the library.  I did a book request via the library's book request system to have them purchase the book.  The next day I checked for a response from the library.  The response was that the book was felt to be to "scholarly" for the holdings of the Hamilton East library, but they would borrow the book and get it for me via an interlibrary loan system.

I then decided to find the book to purchase via a private vendor.  It arrived in a few days and I quickly delved into the first few chapters.  The content of the first chapters gave an unfiltered and embarassing view of the actions and beliefs of white people in the South.  The book did not read as an overwhelming scholarly text book.  The impression I got was that the person who said it was too scholarly was offended by the content of the book's depiction of white people, and did not want that depiction in the Hamilton East Library catalog for patrons to read and talk about.

I located the selection criteria that guides the library's acquistion of books.  It lists nine criteria.  Several seemed relevant to "Deep South".  Those being "accuracy and timeliness of content", "current and anticipated needs and interests of the public", "contribution to diversity or breadth of collections", "presentation of unique or controversial points of view", and "price".

I then followed up and sent a letter of complaint to the library board asking them to reconsider the book not being purchased for the holdings of the Hamilton East library.  Then it ocurred to me.  Not purchasing a book, is the same as banning a book.  Not purchasing a book to me means you do not want that book available for your patrons to read.  This process is likely being repeated across the country.  Libraries are avoiding the controversy of removing books off the shelves by never purchasing books  that some find offensive.

I am awaiting a response from the library board regarding "Deep South" not being approved for the library's holdings.



Monday, January 22, 2024

The United States, Losing Focus

 In the early years of this country, the United States was lead into the wrong direction by embracing slavery as an means to help build the country.  Lost in those times were valueing differences among people and respecting the right of every individual to live free.  Lost were the hopes and dreams which had caused many people to flee their own land for the promise of America.  In the early years of the United States, the country failed the moral challenge of slavery.  Instead of saying "no", the government of the Unites States said "yes", bowing to the selfishness or laziness of those who were settlers, including big businesses.

In 2024, the United States faces another challenge.  This challenge impacts who will lead this country for the next 4 years.  The American public is facing a choice on whether to allow a former President, who supported insurrectionist activities to once again hold the highest elected office in the United States, that of the President.  How can citizens support the former President coming back into office?  It all seems related to a decline in the decency of people in our society.  Anything goes, seems to be the general frame of mind.  Rudeness, anger, nastiness seems to be condoned under the guise of freedom of speech.

As the Presidential race moves into the primaries, I pray that moral sanity and reason, plus spiritual calmness come to the forefront.  I pray citizens nationwide rebuke any behaviors that support hate, meanness, rudeness and disrespect of each other.  I pray that by the end of the Presidentail primary season, we will have refuted and rejected the politics of hate, angriness, nastiness and disrespect.



Monday, January 1, 2024

Texas Governor Unknowingly Creates answer to problem of Homelessnes in America!

 There has to be a law against such behavior by a public official!  The Governor of Texas, continues to send immigrants coming into Texas to other states to establish their homeless conditions elsewhere.  This is the first time I have seen a public official use state taxpayer funds to move the homeless from one state to another.

So is that the solution for U.S. citizens who are homeless in states around these United States of America? Those whom you see on downtown streets or hanging out at intersections seeking financial contributions? Governors, that means you now have the option of sending your state's homeless population to the state of  Texas!  Maybe you can send your state's homeless population directly to the address of the Texas governor!

Thank you Governor Abbott for such a warm humanitarian idea to spread the homeless problems of one state to another.  Indiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, every state!  Round up your homeless citizens, warm the buses up and get those buses headed to Texas to give your state homeless citizens a new promising life in the state of Texas!

Governor Abbott, why stop with using buses, or planes?  Why not really be creative and financially sponsor immigrants being sent into outer space to stay at space stations specifically built for them?