Who Has The Real Power!

I've been listening to the news and scrolling Twitter and Facebook and I'm always surprised at the level of hate some use to target others. While thinking about this, I realized that people who hate others--have given the "others" immense power. Think about it! When people hate others enough to obsess over everything they do, that's power because they don't have time or the inclination to do anything, but hate!

Listening to an "interview" with a voter in MS--they (a White male) said, they'd rather do without healthcare because--"my grandpa didn't have have healthcare, my paw didn't have healthcare and I don't need healthcare (the man said with a toothless grin). I'll vote for a Republican just because they're Republican over a Black person any day."

So, rather than have access to healthcare, education, and a living wage (the agenda Democrats are promoting), this person and I can only conclude, many like him--hate Black people so much, they've given them power over their lives. Really? Hate is more important than having a life worth living? That's powerful stuff!

I can only imagine how the Black people in MS feel knowing how much people hate them. Some may be intimidated by the hatred, but others (hopefully) will use it to their advantage and really give the haters something to hate. They should unite in their efforts to establish and maintain an educational arena where their children thrive, where healthcare is readily available to the residents in the poorest, communities of Black folks, and they learn to create their own employment opportunities that leaves the haters out in the cold.

Now, before you start thinking that idea is racist, think about what I said and why. For decades, Black people have been forced to do things for themselves when they were denied access to a dentist office, a doctor's office, a quality education and even the use of public bathrooms and water fountains. If you didn't think that was racist, don't you dare think what I said was racist. If poor white people cared about their standard of living, they'd wake up, bury the hate and really see what it is that Democrats want to accomplish for all the people, not just some. But if their hatred is so strong they would rather hold onto it rather than progress in life--that's their decision. And trust me--Black people have been marginalized for most of their lives; they're used to it and know how to accomplish in spite of it--without whining about it. Is it fair? Absolutely not, but it is the reality in a region where poor white people have blamed Black people for their lots in life, not having what they want or at least what they think they want.

The reality is--White people have always had the advantage--the access to books, banks, education, healthcare and businesses. That was part of their privilege of being White. Black folks had to earn every thing they accomplished in life and they had no privilege to give them advantage. The weird thing about watching what's going on in the southern Red States with all of their racism and hatred is the fact that the poor White people, keep electing other White people who are rich and always vote against any possibility of anyone getting ahead in their states--other than those who already have.

Look at Kentucky, with Mitch McConnell leading the Senate and now he's worth millions, but his constituents are poor, have lousy access to healthcare, one of the worst educational systems in the country and their water is killing them. And yet, Mitch voted in favor of rolling back the consumer protections established to protect people in order to gain favor and money from the corporations who are polluting the water. It would appear that Mitch McConnell could care less about his constituents as long as he can line his pockets.

But Mitch is not the only trumplican who hates their constituents. Look at Florida and Rick Scott's governance with the Red Tide--killing off sea life, endangering the lives of the people and the economy because of the tourism needed to keep things afloat. They voted against their own interests because of hate. Doesn't seem like such a smart thing to do, but they did it.

What most "christian" Republicans haven't realized is that it is Democrats who actually do what the Bible says for us to do. We are commanded to take care of the poor and the needy, to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty and to love all unconditionally. That's what Democrats do because the bottom line is--love is more powerful than hate because love accomplishes, while hate destroys. And when the haters openly voice their hatred, they empower the target of their hatred to do even more great things.

The White Supremacists have targeted Black folks in a number of states, killed innocent people because of their hate and then end up spending the rest of their lives behind bars, and becoming targets by those who are determined to teach the haters a lesson. So, now--who has the real power?

I'm sure I haven't said anything new--nothing that hasn't been said before, but I wanted to emphasize the fact that hatred--gives power to the targets of the hate and does nothing for those who hate. It's time folks realize that together we all win, but divided--few win and all suffer. Take the time to think about everything I've said and really understand who has the most to lose when hate is the driver force in a person's life.

Accountability For All!

Dear trump supporters:

I've had a lot to say for the past two years, but this is my first letter directed at you. And yes, I know I didn't capitalize his name, I seldom do. I have no respect for him and I won't pretend that I do. What amazes me is that anyone could have any respect for him, but apparently, some do.

Let me begin with those who voted for him--shortsightedness, frustration, anger, apathy or just plain stupidity guided this shipwreck of a decision and here we are. I really don't care about those who claim to be pro-life when in actuality, they are pro-fetus, not the life of those outside the womb. The proof--the mindless moron just condoned the killing of an American journalist because he can't stand the thought of losing any business (his personal business--it's not about America First) from the Saudis. This is what gets me--he lies and lies, deflects and denies and that same segment of people, keep making excuses for him and justifying his behavior. And for those hoping a Republican court system will prevail against abortions--think again. It won't. If you don't want to have an abortion, don't have one. If you don't want to be married to a person who is the same sex as you are, don't marry them. And before you get your underwear in a bunch, I'm more Christian than any of the dolts who voted for this moron, and I know the most important commandment we have from Jesus is to love--unconditionally, so keep your religious, Phariseetical comments to yourself.

He does not care about America--if he did, the deficit would be decreasing and not increasing. He does not care about our military--if he did the 5800 troops at the border would be home with their families, he would have gone to combat zones before now to visit our troops, and he hasn't done a thing to support our veterans. Anyone with even partial vision and hearing knows by now, he disrespected veterans by not going to the Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day or the cemetery in France. He met with Putin and was so glad to see him that everyone remarked at the pure joy that showed in his face. Most of the veterans I know and have an affiliation with--are totally po'd with him. They have not been paid benefits for some time now and it's going to cause problems for many. But does he care--not one whit. He disparaged Admiral McRaven--claiming Bin Laden should have taken out sooner than he was. But now, please remember--trump avoided the draft with phony deferments five times to avoid Viet Nam and now, he claims he doesn't want to visit the troops for fear someone will kill him. Amazing how that fear never stopped other presidents from visiting troops in combat zones and yet--he claimed he'd run into a building with an active shooter in a school. More lies. He's afraid of the rain because he can't manage an umbrella.

And then there was the tax cut scam that many are going to soon regret when they realize, they did not gain anything because all the exemptions and deductions will no longer exist when they file their taxes. So some thought getting a few extra dollars in a paycheck was going to make a difference--short term and temporary. The corporations who got all the real breaks, bought back their own stocks, laid off workers and many closed doors, leaving the workers--behind the eight-ball. Right now, GM is cutting their work force by 18K. What are these folks supposed to do? Join the rolls of the unemployed and watch that percentage rise from 3.9% back to 5.1% nationally. It's coming--this is what always happens when Republicans control government--they enrich themselves, cut spending for the poor and then we see a recession. Democrats are the ones always left to clean up the messes and reduce the deficit--by raising taxes--because cutting them led to the increased deficit to start with and the working class, did not benefit the same way the rich did.

He's abused and misused the office of the presidency to the point where America is the laughingstock of the world. We have more lawsuits pending in court than ever before (and we're only 2 years into this fiasco) and now--journalists have been put in danger all over the world with his stupid, mindless, reckless, rhetoric--calling the media the enemy of the people.  The true enemy of the people--is trump--the wanna-be dictator who wanted to prosecute and jail anyone who criticized him and primarily to impede the investigation into the Russian involvement in the 2016 election. I know some will never believe it, but it's true, and not believing--won't change the truth. You know--the way some people say they don't believe in God--they don't have to believe Him--and it doesn't change the truth of who He is.

Further evidence that trump doesn't care about Americans or America is found in the roll-back of all the "consumer protections" that were established to protect us from corporate greed and disregard. Now, corporations can poison the water, the soil and pollute the air. We'll end up with all sorts of diseases from the protections being rolled back and then we'll just die because he doesn't want to provide healthcare for all. I'm guessing how we bury our dead is not a concern to him.

If I tried to relate all the stupid he's done in just two years, this would be a very long letter. So, let me get to the point of this. There needs to be accountability for every person in an elected office and since there's no one in this administration that has shown any capability of being an adult, the culpability for the stupid falls on the shoulders of every person who voted for the menace in the White House. I didn't vote for him because I knew from listening to him during the campaign that would be the biggest mistake I could ever make. There were at least 65 million of us who saw through all his blather and lies. Strangely, most of that 65 million don't claim to be Christians and I would have thought, that Christians--who are like me--who can hear Holy Spirit when He speaks--would have known better. I guess that's the difference between being religious and being in relationship with Christ. I heard Him speak to my heart and did everything I could to warn people, but the religious folks didn't care. They even lied and said God chose trump to be in the White House. The God of Heaven that I serve is far too wise to have chosen a person who is the antithesis of who He is. If people truly know God--they'd know this. They would also know that according to the bible, if we warn people of impending danger and they ignore us--their blood is on their hands. If they heed the warning, they are safe. But if we don't warn people when we see impending danger and people are harmed, then their blood is on our hands. I didn't and don't want anyone's blood on my hands, so I warned and I am continuing to warn about the menace in the White House. What you do about it, is on you. Not me.

So, whatever happens from this menace being in the White House, if you voted for trump, you're responsible. The lack of assistance and support for those in Puerto Rico, the delay in FEMA action from natural disasters, the death of the journalist (complicity), the veterans, the poor, the educational system, the deaths of millions who will succumb to illness because of the heartless, mindless moron you installed in the White House. This disastrous situation is all on you.
We can only hope--that a Democratic House will finally put a check on the menace and maybe, because of their example, the GOP in the Senate will wake up from the drug induced stupor (probably due to Russian connections and bribery) and uphold their oaths of office--which they haven't done so far.

So knowing all that has transpired in the White House since January 20, 2017, can you look into a mirror and not cringe when you think about how lives have been affected, adversely since his inauguration? If you can look at yourself in the mirror and think he's doing good things for America, then you are just as heartless and mindless as he is and the world would be better off without you. And when you die--I pray you suffer the same indignities that caged children have suffered and every person who has lost a loved one in a mass shooting or died because of a lack of access to healthcare. That's all on you and I won't let you forget it. Count on it.

THERE ARE NO ADULTS IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND NONE IN THE GOP SENATE. WHERE ARE THE ADULTS IN THIS SITUATION THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE DIRECTION OUR GREAT NATION IS TAKING?

They're on their way and some have already begun the process to make sure trump is exposed for all the evil he's done and when those in Congress find their spines, they'll do what they need to do. At any rate, 2020 is looking better and better for me (or someone like me) to win the presidential election and start cleaning up the mess made by trump on the national and international levels.
Let's face it--you really blew it this time and almost cost the country its democracy. Happy now?

Sincerely,
Mary Hall-Rayford

Success Begins With A Step

No matter how badly we may to accomplish anything worthwhile, until we make the first step to get it done, we'll never know how successful we could be. This applies to every area of our adult life.

Too many times, far too many people are inhibited from seeking success because someone told them they couldn't or wouldn't be able to do what they wanted to do. I've heard those same comments, but I want to make sure everyone knows--you never know what you can do until you try. Success stories seldom occur because life just dropped success in someone's life. People have to try and some have to try harder than others. There is one exception to this quaint notion--and that's for those who were born into luxury and had everything they ever wanted--handed to them, while they made no effort at all to accomplish anything. Whatever is accomplished by the rich and famous without effort is not success--it's privilege and often not very fulfilling. That's one of the reasons the "rich and famous" do more stupid than the average person.

But let me get back to the discussion at hand. The best way I can offer insight as to what I'm suggesting is to provide examples from my own life.  Since I've shared portions of my life story countless times in my blogs I won't bore the reader with redundancy. So, let's start with my move to Houston--where I knew no one, didn't have a job, and no money to speak of. Some said I was crazy to try, but then--I've always loved a challenge. I moved, found employment and stayed four years. The only reason I left was to support my mother while living in the same state (I had been supporting her financially for two years and it was becoming burdensome).

For me, coming back was the biggest challenge--with a potential job no longer available to me, I had to wonder how I would make it, but I did. I'm about as tenacious as a pit bull--refusing to let go. At any rate, I managed to do what was needed and found a job I loved. That ended with a car accident that prevented me from doing the job--mostly driving. At any rate, sitting at home for three years waiting for lawsuits to be settled, I decided to go back to school and finish that BA I'd started many years earlier. Funny thing about going back to school in your 40s, you feel out of place in a classroom with much younger students, but I decided not to let that bother me. I ended my last semester on the Dean's list with a 3.6 GPA. Imagine that!

From there, I decided I loved learning and continued my education--completed a MA, obtained my teaching credentials passing all the required testing--the first time. Then I decided, what the heck, might as well keep going, so I applied to a graduate program, was accepted and completed all the coursework towards a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (teaching teachers). A significant change for the worse in the teaching field caused me to pause and rethink the direction I was taking. I no longer had a heart to encourage people to enter a field that was not a viable career. When I retired, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but the 2016 election--propelled me in the direction of political activism and that is where I am right now, seeking support for a presidential run in 2020.

I'm not just seeking support, I'm actively involved in the process as some readers may know. I'm happy to report that all the top slots for Michigan government that I supported and promoted were successful. I spent hours knocking on doors, distributing literature, and making some phone calls. I spent even more time promoting the candidates online and talking to people wherever I went. My first time on an election ballot resulted in a loss, but it didn't deter me. I was on the ballot for a precinct delegate and the person who won--by 18 votes-- has never put in an appearance to do the job--I did. As a result, post-midterm election, I am now on the Executive Committee of my county's democratic party, and a current nominee for secretary for the local Democrat club. My involvement with my online promotions for candidates got me more attention that I thought. On a personal note--just so some understand--there was no pay involved in anything I did--all volunteer--all to make sure Democrats won in Michigan. And I'll do it again, as often as needed. The upside to all of this is--I met all the candidates and had chance to talk to them. People are beginning to recognize me and it's all because of a step I took.

There are some who think I won't make it to the White House. They may be right, but their attitude won't stop me from trying. I've already taken the steps needed towards success, but not everything we try is successful as others measure success. What I've been successful at doing is getting my name out there in the atmosphere, stratosphere, cybersphere or however one wants to call it. I've had people threaten me because of my political stances and distaste of trump. I've had people applaud me because of my political stances and distaste of trump. So, success is all about the angle or perspective from which one is looking. I'm headed in the right direction to achieve my goals and right now, I'm confident I'm going to get there. We'll know in 2020. But while we're waiting, you can check me out and see where I stand at facebook.com/YesIAm2020!

Come on, take the first step and decide to join me in my quest and we travel the road to success together.

https://youtu.be/Kd3XafCqHPo

No More Lies!

Trump is averaging -- AVERAGING -- 30 false or misleading claims a day in the last seven weeks. And, per the Fact Checker, he often of late soars far above that average. As one example: On October 22, when he traveled to Houston to hold a rally for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R), Trump, said 83 untrue things in a single day. 83!

A recent interview published in Vanity Fair reveals that trump said, "blacks were too stupid to vote for him."

At a rally this past week, trump claimed that President Obama was the biggest liar because he said over a period of time, that people would be able to keep their own doctors (he thought was true at the time) 28 times. Yes, it was a promise that President Obama thought would happen with the ACA, but because of glitches in the program he had no control over, it didn't come true. However, the lies told by trump number over 6 thousand, averaging 30 lies per day--since he was sworn into office.

He's lying to his base about the danger of the "caravans" attempting to come into the United States illegally. He's lying about the need for 5K troops, undermining the military use of soldiers to invoke fear.

He's lying about Democrats wanting to "take your healthcare" when it has been Democrats fighting for access to healthcare for everyone. Republicans have 9 cases in court--to deny health coverage to people with pre-existing conditions through the ACA program. They know if they can deny people the right to health coverage for pre-existing conditions, it will effectively make the ACA ineffective and they can stop providing all coverage.

Some of the pre-existing conditions Republicans in congress don't want covered are: cancer treatments, diabetes, asthma, pregnancies, mental illness/treatment, and opioid treatments. Now, days and hours before the Mid Term elections, they're "lying" about covering pre-existing conditions only because it is Democrats fighting for the protections and they are discussing in their campaigns.

It's time for people to wake up and some have. I've noticed a number of people on Twitter declaring they were Republicans, but are voting for every Democrat on their ballots with the hashtag #GOPVotingBlue! They are tired of the lies, the hatred, the bigotry, the fearmongering and lack of empathy and compassion they've seen from the White House. I don't know if anyone could have imagined a resident of the Oval House complain that coverage of a "mass murder" at a Jewish synagogue interfered with the momentum of his hate rallies. Really? That was his concern. The media wasn't covering his rallies, but were instead covering the loss of lives by a madman, stoked by fear listening to trump. And let's not forget, the idiot trump supporter who mailed pipe bombs to those who have vocally criticized him--members of Congress, past presidents, celebrities and the media. He didn't even take time to condemn the act.

So, if you're as tired of the lies as I am, it's time to do something about it. Democrats are not for open borders--we want sustainable immigration reform. Democrats are not trying to take anyone's guns--we want common sense gun reform so that people won't be able to walk into a worship service and gun down people with an assault rifle. Democrats want reduced taxes for the middle class and working families and want the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes. Democrats want all workers to have a living wage and not have to work two and three jobs to survive. Democrats want consumer protections to make sure all can breathe the air, drink the water and eat food produced from soil that has not been contaminated by poisonous chemicals. Democrats want every person who desires a higher education to be able to afford getting one, without mounds of debt. Democrats want Senior Citizens to enjoy their final years without worrying about how they're to eat, keep a roof over their heads or to pay for their healthcare. Democrats want every veteran who has served our country to have the benefits they need.

If you haven't already voted, make sure you exercise your right to do so or this may be the last time.  Fascism--taking away the rights as guaranteed every American in our Constitution--is encroaching with trump since the GOP Congress won't do their job. America has no need for a dictator and we won't stand for having one.

The desperation people in hear in trump's voice, invoking fear and hatred is real. That's the only thing he's not lying about, because he knows--a Democratic Congress will hold him accountable for everything he does and he will no longer have a free pass to rape the US Treasury or pass legislation that is vindictive and spiteful. But because he is so fearful and insecure, he will stoke anger and hatred among those who refuse to think for themselves and he hopes enough anger with arise for him to employ martial law--bringing in the military to keep order, while really establishing himself as the lone wolf--instructed by Putin--to destroy our democracy.

Oh, and the lies people hear in churches--are designed to keep those listening under control. It's really a shame that many good people are sitting in churches everywhere, listening to the lies being told by church leadership--just to control them. They will never tell people the truth--God gives us choices and respects our choices. Religious folks simply want to control others and their bodies (except for the men). I will say this one more time--just in case people didn't "hear" it before--

God did not choose trump to lead this country; fearful, hateful, bigoted people chose trump!

If people haven't figured this out by now, God help them. But if they have, do like those who are now voting for Democrats--Vote Blue--because whether some like it or not, Democratic values are more aligned with Scripture than anything the Religious Right are demonstrating. Don't take my word for it--read the bible for yourself (Matthew 25:31-45).  Of course, understanding the Bible would mean a person has a relationship with Christ and He is dwelling in their hearts, so full of love there is no room for hate or fear.

Did not Jesus tell us in John 8:32 that if we held to His teaching (not men's), "We shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free?"

We're also told in the bible that Satan is the father of lies, a master of deception, and his only job is to kill, steal, and destroy. We see all the character traits of Satan in trump in all he says and does. His constant lies indicate who his father is, his invention of problems where there are none--deceptive to get media attention; he's killing people by withholding subsidies for healthcare, stealing from tax payers on a daily basis, and trying his best to destroy our democracy. Pay attention, America!

I've already voted and I voted Blue--for the people--all the people! What are you going to do?

Undecided?

I don't know how many people are viewing my posts, but whoever you are, if you're in the United States of America, you need to understand how important it is for you to vote!

Many people chose not to vote or voted for a third party in 2016 and we ended up with the orange menace in the WH. We cannot afford to let him or his #Trumplican Congress stay in office. If we do, we lose our democracy and won't have an opportunity to vote again for the foreseeable future.

America has always been the place where those who feel persecuted could find solace and an opportunity for a better life for themselves and their family. The orange menace wants to "change the Constitution" to aid and abet Putin's agenda--to leave America vulnerable and open to invasion from Russia--not Mexico.  Pay attention to news sources other than conservative publications and anything owned by Rupert Murdoch or Sinclair broadcasting. That is--if you want to know the truth and for those who claim they are still believing Christians, Jesus tells us, "we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free."