Sometimes, I Want To Quit!

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37  NKJV

Every once in a while, I feel like quitting--trying to make a difference for others is extremely hard work--when fighting against the odds or rather the people who hate becomes overwhelming. But then, in my quiet time, I meditate on The Word and remember--as long as God is in the plan, nothing will be too difficult for us (not just me) to accomplish!

Don't get me wrong--for those who don't believe in God--that's your belief and I won't challenge it, but I believe in my relationship with God and I know--as long as I'm willing to listen to Him, I can't go wrong. I also know--God is not coming down from His throne to do anything--He has always worked through people and He always will--until He returns to take us home with Him for all eternity.

So, I'm looking for some of those people who are willing to be used--by God and in my presidential campaign efforts. I need to have a conversation with an experienced Campaign Manager and Finance Director. Notice, I said conversation since nothing is written in cement (FEC) and won't be until November 7, 2018, but  I need to be ready to go, not getting ready to go forth. If this is you--visit and leave a comment on www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020.  Read through the material depicting my stance and let me know what you think.

No matter what happens, I'm not going to stop caring about all people, loving all people, and working to make sure all people are treated like human beings--no hate or haters, not fearmongering, just love! So, even if I feel like quitting sometimes, I won't. This time in my life is far too important for me to quit.

 

Fired Up!

Since the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, I've been torn and disgusted that our lawmakers still think, "now is not the time to talk about Common Sense Gun Legislation." As disgusted and appalled as I've been, I have also been encouraged and inspired by the students affected in Parkland, Florida.  They are fired up and ready to fight back on every level.

I've listened to their articulate voices, crying foul to the lawmakers who spew a lot of rhetoric and then do nothing.

I've seen the lies and false propaganda promoted against these teens by those who attempt to silence and then I've watched them: Emma, Cameron, Delaney, Kyle, David and so many others--ignore the stupid and stay focused on their goal--to make sure their voices are heard.

I've watched them stand before lawmakers and speak their minds and not back down even when the lawmakers disappointed them.

I watched them during the CNN Town Hall where they were very bold and courageous, fired up and determined to make their voices heard over all the noise of the naysayers and especially, the NRA. They are awesome and instead of the derision and contempt shown to them by Fox News and others, they should be applauded for having the guts to do, what most adults wouldn't do--stand their ground.

I also watched grieving parents at the "Listening Session" hosted by the White House. I heard a grieving father express just how "pissed off" he was at losing his daughter to gunfire in her school. I also heard his determination to do something--with or without lawmakers or those sitting in the White House.

And then I heard Donald Trump, with a cheat sheet of comments--say, "let's arm the teachers." Obviously, he has no clue that obtaining a permit to conceal and carry a "handgun" with military training--would not stop someone with an assault weapon. There is no way to "conceal an assault weapon" to counter an attack by someone with one. Absurd is the mildest adjective I can use in this forum. Others have been far more succinct in their disgust by this suggestion.

The bottom line to the dilemma in this society is this: Republican lawyers are so bound by blood money from the NRA they will never change their stance and enact Common Sense Gun legislation. And we know from what Dana Loesch said last night, NRA is never going to support a ban on any type of weapon nor do they support raising the age limit to 21. Their consistent argument about the 2nd amendment falls hollow when (as it was pointed out last night by two people), the 2nd amendment dealt with the formation of a "militia to protect and defend states," not as open door for individuals to own any and every type of weapon.  No one needs an assault weapon who is not in the military or law enforcement since their only purpose is to kill people. To use hunting as an excuse for owning an assault weapon is an indicator of someone not knowing that assault weapons "shred the target," just like they shred human targets.

There is a simple solution--one that does not require any background checks, or increase in mental health care or even any money spent--we simply need to #VoteBlue in every election, removing Republicans from the equation and letting Democrats enact the legislation needed to save children and other innocent victims from dying due to gun violence.

The NRA--and all those who support them and their efforts to put guns in the hands of anyone who wants one--should take the time to pray (since they claim they're Christians) and seek God--asking Him to show them the truth about themselves--they lack humanity and compassion and are only interested in profiting from the loss of lives.

I've stated before that I am a legal, responsible gun owner and I believe in all the rights afforded every person based upon our Constitution, but I also believe we must hold lawmakers accountable for their inaction when they have it within their power to change the course of events, but won't because of the money they receive from the empire of evil--the NRA.

The parents and students are right--enough is enough--the time is past for thoughts and prayers--bold, courageous action must be taken before the next school shooting or massacre of anyone in any place. It's time for America to get "Fired Up" and support these teens in their efforts to get the attention of all on Capitol Hill and the White House so they don't have to see others suffer loss of life. It's time for every adult--who is a registered voter to contact lawmakers and let their feelings be known about assault weapons and the deaths of innocent people. And when the lawmakers refuse to listen or act--it's time for Voters to get Fired Up and vote them out of office.

I'm Mary Hall-Rayford and I'm Fired Up and ready to serve all Everyday Americans and to take on the gun lobbyists in Washington. Let's get it done.

Praise Worthiness!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

No matter what happens in America--or even in the world--when we have a right relationship with God, He will always steer us in the direction of His Word.

Military parades--especially those displaying military armament--are usually a tool of dictators to flex military might, but it is more importantly--a demonstrable display of a leader's insecurities. Therefore, the "military parade" Rumplethinskin wants--is not a celebration of a military victory--those things we normally celebrate using a segment of the military--but a blatant disregard for those who serve in the military to appease his ego and amplify his insecurities.

Many veterans and those currently serving are disgusted by the idea of a military parade to assuage an ego-maniac, especially since he is draft-dodger who refused to serve in the military when called upon--"Cadet Bone Spurs" is an apt nickname for him. Though he loudly proclaims respect for the military--those who know--understand he lies and he's covering for the fact--he didn't serve and nor did any of his family. In fact, his grandfather was expelled from Germany because he refused to serve a mandatory stint in the military. It appears--disdain for serving in the military is in his DNA--and therefore nullifies any respect from anyone who has served or is serving in the military.

Claiming that Democrats who didn't "clap" for him during his State of the Union message committed treason is an a treason in itself. It demonstrates his lack of knowledge of the 1st Amendment of the Constitution or determined disregard for it and that he is not upholding or defending the Constitution as his oath proclaims.  If in fact, disrespecting a sitting president was a treasonous offense, we'd not have very many in Congress still there.

There was the incident of the Congressman who shouted out, "You lie" during one of Obama's State of Union messages.

There was Paul Ryan sitting as stiff as board through Obama's State of the Union messages, not clapping or standing.

There was the entire Republican party who "sat on their hands" during Obama's State of the Union messages, not clapping, not even paying attention.

And then there is the constant malignant rhetoric promoted by Rumplethinskin proclaiming Obama was not an American. That indeed is treasonous, but he's never been charged or arrested or convicted of a "treason."

What makes Rumplethinskin think he has an absolute right to be "worshiped?" His malignant narcissistic ego compels him to believe he's "worthy to be praised."  Of course, his equally ignorant base enables his thinking since they clamor for his stupidity at every rally. He is not worthy of praise. He is worthy of total disdain and disgust conviction for treason when it is revealed that he conspired with Russia to rig the 2016 election and is still conspiring with them to erode our democracy. "Giving comfort and aid to our adversaries (enemies)" encompasses the definition of "treason." So, if anyone is guilty of treason, it is Rumplethinskin and his entire administration including the "crime family" mob wannabes.

No matter how much stupid we see from the current resident in the White House, we will not give in or give up nor surrender our values for him to trample on them. We will continue resisting the stupid and blatant ignorance until justice prevails and we call sleep better at night.

Hope is around the corner in the mid term elections and in the 2020 election. We can reverse the stupid and reclaim our position as a world leader if we exercise wisdom in whom we elect. We don't need to ever elect again, a person who has so much to hide that they deliberately obstruct justice when under investigation.

My life is an open book and ready for inspection by anyone who has access to the Internet.

I don't have a problem presenting my tax returns which will indeed prove--I'm simply an Everyday American--retired and paying taxes.

I have no problem discussing any questions anyone might have of my past or present--as long as the questions are relevant to the position I'm seeking and my ability to perform well in it.

But getting back to being praise-worthy--nothing worth praising about the current resident in the White House and I don't know if there will be anything worth praising with a new resident because realistically--none of us are worth praise, but God alone is. With that being the case, I'll give Him the Praise for He is the only One worthy of it.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for being who You are and for creating me to be who You want me to be--all glory and honor and praise belong to You all the days of my life.

For more insight as to my thoughts about "everyday news" follow me on Twitter @educatormary. Stay persistent and keep resisting the urge to accept false propaganda promoted by those who deliberately attempt to deceive. Don't believe anything other than verifiable truths with evidence.

The Lost Country!

“My people have been lost sheep.
Their shepherds have led them astray
and turned them loose in the mountains.
They have lost their way
and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold. Jeremiah 50:6 NLT
Then the LORD said to me, “Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves. “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!" Zechariah 11:15-17 NIV
Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 1 Corinthians 15:18 NIV

There are those in this country who proclaim to be Christians--followers of Christ and doing what Christ would do, yet, when looking at the plight of the land in America, we do not see Christ-like behavior in much of what they condone in "their choice" an elected leader--one who is supposed to be "president of America," which includes all Americans, not just some.

Though I may appear to be a broken record, it makes sense to repeat those things that need to be repeated, in order to bring realization to those who may be asleep or have deliberately ignored the signs in front of them--America is in crisis--and the crisis is the result of the promotion of a person who has never known God, does not know God, and thinks he is a god (and some are worshiping him as one). His malignant narcissism keeps his focus on him and what he wants rather than what is best for the nation. Before anyone attempts to refute this statement by saying, "you don't know his heart," let me say for the record--I do know his heart and everyone with a brain and knowledge of The Word--knows his heart. For The Word states, "From the abundance of the heart--the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45)

Right out the gate--the cult followers will say, "But we have more money in our pay checks." "He's rolling back job-killing regulations." "He's getting rid of all the immigrants who are taking American jobs." "He's pushing the Christian agenda."

Let me address each of these four points (there are more) separately.

Some people will see more money in their paychecks because of the "tax cut scam" passed which gave the wealthiest Americans the greatest tax cut and still did not benefit the working class the most. When we understand the government "runs on tax dollars" we also understand cutting the revenue will place an undue burden on future generations and Senior Citizens now, since the next step of the "great tax cut" includes gutting Social Security and medicare to make up some of the lost revenue that was given to the rich. 

Can't ignore the fact that though many companies touted giving bonuses because of the tax cut, 93K jobs have been outsourced, 63 Sam's Clubs closed, ATT laying off workers and many others. I'm sure those who received bonuses and later (some in the same week) lost their jobs, would rather have the job than a one-time bonus of a $1K.

Who loses with the tax cuts? Every poor person who ever dependent on social programs funded by tax dollars loses. Every student in America who attends a public school loses because of budget cuts. Every veteran in America who has served this country and as a result--suffered either physical or mental trauma--loses benefits because of tax cuts. Every Senior Citizen stands to lose benefits they earned and contributed to because Republicans (in particular--Paul Ryan) thinks Social Security is not an "earned benefit" but something people think they're entitled to having. We are entitled to having what we contributed to--and nothing a greedy person who received $500K from a donor for cutting taxes says or does, will ever deter us from fighting for what is rightfully ours. And by the way, Paul Ryan bragged on Twitter on 2/3/18 (later deleted) that a secretary in PA was, "pleasantly surprised to see an increase of a $1.50 in her paycheck." I'm not sure he missed the sarcasm that may have provoked the statement or if he's just that obtuse. But I'm sure the Koch Brothers, the Mercers and Murdochs, as well as other rich donors are thrilled.

Rolling back job-killing regulations--For every regulation that is rolled back--those put in place to maintain the safety of consumers and workers, we risk life and limb just so the demagogue can brag and those supporting him--grin and brag--about him getting rid of "everything President Obama did" to keep us safe. This is the real reason for much of what he does--his motivation is hatred for Obama--not concern for the American people. Because of those "roll backs," we risk dying from contaminated water and soil and polluted air. I have to conclude he'd rather people die than keep safety precautions in place. Five people have died from a gas-rig fire, Amtrak has had three accidents in which people have died, and oil spills have contaminated land will contaminate the water if plans move forward for coastline drilling. This is pure greed and has nothing to do with the welfare of Americans, but in making sure they die early--especially those in coal mines.

On keeping immigrants out of America to keep them from taking jobs from Americans--I'm still waiting for all those making such complaints to come forward and show us--the entire world--how willing they are to help gather produce for farmers, clean hotel rooms, and do it all for very low wages. If there are Americans out there who want these jobs, why was it necessary for the demagogue to obtain Visas for immigrants to work at his properties? And on the same note--why is the demagogue and his family still producing goods in China and other countries? Is it because he doesn't want to pay a living wage to Americans?

We've lost out on trade because of his ignorance as to how "world trade" works and many of the countries (11) have decided to move forth without us and many farmers are not happy about this development. Implementing tariffs on goods--makes it more difficult for Americans to purchase goods produced outside of America and when we cannot purchase the goods, those who distribute the goods won't need workers to sell them. Not a lot of thought went into this decision and again, the only driving force--greed for those who already are rich.

Thinking the resident in the Oval Office is a Christian and pushing a Christian agenda is probably the biggest farce "White Evangelicals" have promoted to their unsuspecting congregations. Or maybe the congregation knew and didn't care. At any rate, let me reiterate some of the character traits that demonstrate one is a follower of Christ.

• We love all unconditionally because God loved us so much, He sent His only Son (came in the likeness of sinful flesh) to do what we couldn't do--on our own. He took sin upon Himself and opened the way for us to ascend into Heaven for all eternity.
• We take care of the poor and the needy.
• We visit those in prisons or are otherwise incapacitated (the shut-in, not shut-out).
• We promote unity of all, not division.
• We provide shelter for the homeless and refuge for the disenfranchised.
• We stand firm against the wiles of the devil and recognize when he has "deceived the very elect."
• We don't lie or protect pathological liars for The Word says, "all liars will end up in the lake of fire."
• We don't provoke hatred or war with other countries.

Listening to the "shepherds" who were supposed to guide and direct--we have allowed them to be the reason--our country is lost and we may have difficulty finding our way back--to being who Christ wants us to be.

For those who would attempt to refute what I've said by falsely claiming that America was founded on Christianity, I would say get out your history books and understand that using "biblical principles" to establish our Constitution does not mean it was founded upon Christianity. The bible makes no reference to Christianity and to clarify the matter--the Bible is a summary of historical events that provide us with insight as to how God worked with the Children of Israel, and how we came to be joint-heirs with them. Don't buy into the hype--know for certain--what you believe and why.

This won't be the last time I address this issue, and today--it was important to emphasize it for those who think this country is headed in the right direction--we're not-- but we can be, if we exercise our right to vote--without interference or hindrance from those who would attempt to oppress us.

Fear and Desperation!

With the release of the much anticipated "Nunes Memo" the media is in an uproar--trying to understand and explain it. I have read it and conclude along with the experts (of which I am not a legal expert, but have expert reading comprehension skills), that this prose was written out of a state of fear and desperation. Devin Nunes and the others who insist there is either a "deep state" within the Intelligence Community or a "secret society" (based on text messages) have demonstrated they're afraid of being exposed in something sinister. My guess--we have traitors in the White House and enablers of the traitors in Congress.

I've said it before--Congressional GOP knew from the beginning that trump was involved in something shady, but they went along with it because of greed and the opportunity to really screw America.

I must state for clarity's sake that Fox News and hosts are touting the memo has a means of demonstrating corruption in the FBI and have convinced trump--it vindicates him from further scrutiny in the Mueller Investigation. Not true--and anyone with a brain can see through this ruse. The three and half pages insinuate a great deal, but explain nothing and provide no evidence of anything other than "innuendo" about bias involved in who paid for the "Dossier." First all, if any need to be reminded, the Opposition Research on trump was initiated by a Republican group, not the DNC--who later continued the investigation and paid for the work they received. However, this memo does not include the fact that Steele (British operative) continued his investigation past the time and payment received by Fusion GPS. What the GOP has succeeded in doing, is drawing greater scrutiny into the affairs of the trump administration and anyone involved with them.

The memo fails to indict the FBI who were simply doing their job in their surveillance of Carter Page which started in 2013. These are the facts, not just opinions. The raised eyebrows over text messages is a deflection--in hopes of keeping people off balance from actually seeing the truth.

The trump administration and GOP's attempt to "claim FBI bias" has nothing to do with the reality of the situation. They have implied--repeatedly that if a person works for the FBI (DOJ) they are not entitled to expression of their personal opinions--especially if those opinions are contrary to what the GOP want to hear. No one who works in government is vetted/screened based upon their political affiliation. That is unconstitutional at the least and discriminatory at most. Who a person votes for or what their political affiliation is has nothing to do with their ability to do their job and as professionals, to do the job--professionally--without bias. I believe the FBI is more than capable of doing their job, professionally.

At any rate, I've ranted on Twitter for the past two days about the stupidity we keep seeing coming out from the White House and the Republican party. It's time Congress did its job regarding their oversight in Congress and draft Articles of Impeachment against trump or get out the way. They are abdicating their responsibility and disregarding their oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution--not the person on the Oval Office.  Someone is confused and it's not me or the general American Public who see through all the smoke screen.They are enablers of the stupidity and should be charged with treason along with the trump administration--the entire team.

We deserve better in America. I can provide it with a different Congress--one in which all the players care about America as much as I do. We can change this landscape and we will start with the mid term election in 2018--even if Russia continues to interfere. We will prevail!