Show Trials Making A Comeback In Congress.

For those of you who have missed my political stuff, you’re about to be happy. For those of you who think #LGB is rude, you will want to go back to watching THE VIEW (no link for those evil creatures) and come back next week.

The Congressional hearings into the events of January 6, 2021 are a simple show trial. There is nothing being investigated, there will be no new knowledge presented to the public. This is all about painting the political opposition as evil. That’s it.

Now, I’d like to point out that a pox should be cast upon both sides in Congress. They are so far from what the Founding Fathers envisioned that Jefferson and company would load powder and eliminate many of the scoundrels without pause. The Congress was never meant to be a lifetime sinecure for useless bloviators, those who sleep with Chinese spies, and advanced alcoholics with serious Botox issues. 

But since we haven’t forced them into term limits (yet) we’re stuck with the morons that morons elect. Your morons, my morons, most are indeed morons.

The hearings will simply try to convince a rather gullible American public that a few hundred unarmed rioters who wandered around the Capitol and broke some furniture and doors are guilty of insurrection. 

Let me assure you, when an insurrection takes place it involves explosives, guns, tear gas, shields, snipers – wait, was that Portland I was describing? Perhaps Minneapolis? Certainly Chicago or New York. Yet none of those major events were considered insurrection because they were on the left and endorsed the views of the current occupant of the White House and the leadership in Congress. 

No, January 6th was not an insurrection. If you actually watch the videos, as opposed to listening to the commentary of the media, you will see the Capital Police opening doors, moving aside barricades, and generally having a relatively cordial exchange with the protestors. Some entered the Congress, through open doors, and wandered around the building causing minor damage. The only person to die directly due to the action that day was Ashli Babbit, a protestor. The police officer who shot her was never tried, or even indicted. Try that in Tampa and see how it works. Special rules for Congress you see.

Were the protesters wrong to steal Nancy Pelosi’s podium? Yes. Were they wrong to assault police officers? Yes. Were the police in the basement of the building wrong in their assaulting of protestors? Yes. 

You see, the reality is that it’s not as simple as “That evil Trump sent his minions to overthrow the government.” Nope. He was speaking far from the events. He cautioned the people to be nonviolent but let their voices be heard. He did not issue forth a mob for the purposes of insurrection. I should think the most recent attempt to impeach him would answer that question. 

But deeper still, has anyone been indicted for insurrection in the last 15 months? No. Trespass. A misdemeanor. Seditious Conspiracy in a dozen cases. And, this is choice, the group they selected to pursue was Oath Keepers. A group composed of veterans and law enforcement officers in many cases, that hold their oath to the constitution as sacred. They are not a “rightwing paramilitary” as some of the media has dubbed them.

What about all of the people arrested since January 6th? They are still held without bail in many cases. I think that’s a political crime and nothing but. The kind of thing that totalitarian regimes do. Not America. But it is the case. 

So, my friends, don’t get your hopes up about learning anything useful over the next few nights as the hearings are televised. The lies will persist. You can hate Trump, you can say the election was all hunky-dory and no cheating happened. But there are about 50% of your fellow citizens who still have questions. It was okay to claim Trump stole the election with the help of the Russians in 2016 if you follow mainstream media. But none of the investigations have found any truth to that claim except for a few hundred thousand in Facebook advertising costs – and that’s the high figure. 

No, if you have doubts you should be shunned for you are a conspiracy nut. I’m sure some who read this will put me in that camp. But now here’s the challenge: what other writings have I posted over the years that were “anti-government” conspiracy ravings? Seriously. I didn’t like most of the previous residents of the White House, and I questioned their political judgement. I’ve never trusted Biden – I lived in the 80s when his duplicitous behavior was first fully exposed. But I’m not some nut job with burning urge to overthrow the government. I’m an educated citizen who is very suspicious of any governmental action that isn’t transparent. And hiding things from the public seems to be a specialty of the current leadership, both Executive and Congress. 

Ask questions. Question authority. It was all good until the left that used it as a mantra came into power. Now, why is that…..

June Eighth: A Great Day For A Russ Scott Devotional

Russ and I have been friends for many years. He took me on my second mission trip to Haiti, and I was fortunate enough to help with his ministry at Union Gospel. He’s almost ready to leave the nest with his own website, but in the meantime I’m hosting his devotions each Wednesday until he can do it on his site.

 

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May this devotion offer you a daily dose of encouragement that God is in charge of creation.
Also, please help me guide others to see life from a better perspective by considering donating to my tip jar links which affords me the funds to help others. Thank you kindly. God bless. Much love. ♡
https://cash.app/$rdscot
VENMO:https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2990460545007616942&created=1648327159
 

The world is filled with critics. Thankfully, the Bible gives readers a narrative in handling criticism.

In the book of Nehemiah, the prophet, Nehemiah, was assigned a construction project of rebuilding and securing a wall.
 
Throughout the project, Nehemiah was mocked by his critics. The darts of criticism were flying in furious opposition to God’s work (Neh. 4). The walls of Jerusalem were being restored and would soon become secure again. God called Nehemiah to the task; Nehemiah prayed (Neh. 1:11). God honored the prophet’s prayer. 
 
The plan was launched. Nehemiah led by organizing the Israelites in rebuilding and restoring the wall around Jerusalem. The critics of God were ticked. The enemies of God were susceptible to losing ground, position, and power. 
 
Nehemiah, unfazed by his critics, remained focused on the sovereign will of his almighty God. Soon, Nehemiah’s critics were frightened knowing God’s hand of favor was on the Israelites (Neh. 6:14-15). Under Nehemiah’s command, the Israelites rebuilt the wall in a record breaking fifty-two days. Only an assignment backed by God could complete a task so quickly and securely!!
 
Are critics holding you back? Enemies such as doubt and frustration can be obstacles for you and I. We can use Nehemiah as an example of remaining steadfast in God, accept the call of God on our lives, and believe and trust that God restores and makes all things new (Rev. 21:5). Let the Lord deal with the enemy (Jas. 4:7). The Lord will lead each of us into Victory! Pray and trust that God almighty is with you in the task He has you. Amen!

Wednesday Devotional With Russ Scott.

He’s back. We had a couple of weeks without him, but that’s because he’s a busy guy with a busy ministry. He’s also a busy guy who’s close to having his own website ready! Once it’s up and working, I’ll shoot out a link.

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If today’s devotion encourages you, please consider donating to my tip jar links which affords me the ability to help others. Thank you kindly. God bless. Much love. ♡

 
Every day, I need to walk in a strength that is beyond my human nature because my nature becomes worn down. For me that strength is the Holy Spirit Who provides a steady spirit.
Today, I encourage you to trust in a strength and power that is greater than yourself (the Holy Spirit), which will carry you throughout the day.
The Spirit of the living God that richly dwells within each believer preserves you in moments of battle. When the emissary [the devil] launches fiery darts at you, raise the shield of faith and turn your heart to the Lord. If you are bitter over an issue, forgive. If you have angst, let go. If pride is swelling in your spirit, repent. If complaint is shooting off your tongue, become thankful. If temptation is drawing close, flee! 
Listen to the whisper of the Holy Spirit which offers reassurance that every scheme of the enemy is doused by the greatness of God. Believe that you are doing better than think; you have come farther than you ever thought possible. The strength within you is far greater than Satan’s tactics and temptations. Press Forward, friends, in the strength of the mighty Spirit within you! ♡
 
“You are from God…you’re a conqueror, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

 

Memorial Day: Dawn

It has long been a tradition on my blog to post a piece of fiction on Memorial Day. Always involving those lost in service to the nation.

This year is no exception. I humbly submit my work today, entitled “Dawn” for your contemplation. I ask merely that today you reflect on those who gave their lives for this nation. They’d want you to have the barbecue and the beer. But remember their sacrifice as well.

 

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Dawn was late in coming. At least that’s how Zachary felt. He’d been up most of the night reflecting on his youth, and the men he’d served with. Memorial Day always brought out a streak of melancholy when it rolled around.

There were no women in his shipboard memory, other than the cute ones he left behind, because during his time of service only men served in combat roles. Perhaps that was good, perhaps not. But it was simply the way it was for a very long time in his life. 

He set the machine to produce another cup, 12 ounces, strong, and added three teaspoons of sugar (and an equal amount of fiber: he was getting old and clogged works were an issue) to the grimy mug sitting on the counter. As it steamed, he reached down and fondled his dog’s ears. Of all the things he’d remembered missing on the submarines, having a dog around topped fresh food and long showers by a mile. Something about a good dog made life bearable no matter the circumstances. 

The brew cycle finished, he discarded the little cup it came in, and set the spoon to work stirring. Satisfied there were no lumps, he grabbed a gas-station donut from the package on top of the refrigerator and slid the  door to the lanai open. The old dog popped through ahead of him: sheepdogs first seemed to be the rule in life. Quietly closing the door behind him so as not to wake his wife, he opened the porch door and let Riley outside to do his business. The dog looked up into the sky, judged there to be sufficient light, and ambled out to the fence to leave his legacy.

Zachary sat at the table and watched the stars fade from the sky, and the burning sun  jam its pink meniscus over the everglades. Dawn was quiet. God had clearly invented it to calm a man’s troubled soul. And if ever a soul was troubled, it was Zachary.

For the last year, since he’d turned 65 and filed for Social Security, he’d been increasingly aware of his life being on the downward side of the curve. It didn’t bother him, but it did make him long for the friends of his youth.

Sitting there in the early dawn, he stared out at the yard and saw not palmettos and plantains, but a handful of shipmates walking toward him, all clad in dungarees and Dixie Cup covers. A raffish lot, but smiling faces. As they came into view, he recognized each with a smile and murmured each man’s name. 

 

They were the ones who hadn’t made it home during his service. The ones Memorial Day was all about. These were the other guys from his very small unit who had died in plane crashes, fallen overboard, or otherwise ended their own life. They were never sure about Danny, and whether or not he’d just fallen off the ship or jumped in the dead of night. Either way, his remains were never found and he joined the long list of men and women who had died during the Cold War.

Zachary watched as Riley ran through the small cluster of men on the back lawn and banged his paw against the door. With the sound of the door clicking on the frame, the old friends faded away.

Riley came inside to his breakfast. Zachary stayed on the lanai until almost noon hoping for his friends to return. He’d seen them last year as well. This year they stayed a little longer. His wife saw him lost in contemplation from the kitchen and left him be.

Next year he’d probably join them if his oncologist was right. After all, they’d only appeared once the initial diagnosis had been made the year before. That wouldn’t be so bad. After all, he still fit in his dungarees and the Navy was still his world. He’d have to tell his wife soon, for she thought he was in remission. Perhaps today, a day that revolved around death and duty. A day that he wouldn’t see again. Perhaps he’d show up on someone else’s lawn next year? Nope, his was a peacetime death and only those who’d passed on his watch came to visit.

Well, that was for another day. Right now he had to raise the flag to full staff. And, damnit, he’d man up and tell Janet that things were about to change.  

Forever. Just like the men who’d visited this morning, he was changing duty stations for good.