Democracy Undermined By GOP

It's bad enough to know that Republicans can only win an election when they cheat--by various means--gerrymandering, voter suppression and now--inhibiting the ability of incoming, newly elected Democrats--subverting the will of the people.

First, it was North Carolina--when remaining GOP legislators--deliberately and with malicious intent, passed legislation to keep the new Governor from having full authority of the office of his job.
Jealousy and hatred ruled and apparently, set the stage for other states to follow their odious example.

Now, after the 2018 Mid Terms, Wisconsin, Michigan, and perhaps, Pennsylvania and Utah are experiencing similar issues with corrupt, un-American, Republicans who disdain our democracy.

If and when outgoing governors--sign these bills into law--limiting the authority of incoming
governors--they are traitors to their state and to the democracy that most of value. In a democracy, the rule of the people--when they vote--should be honored and respected. The people, by their vote--voiced their choice in who they wanted to govern them. Anyone else interfering with that process is guilty of violating constitutional rights of the people and infringing upon the rights of elected officials --curtailing their ability to do their job--govern for all the people.

This is beyond shameful, but so indicative of hate-filled, bigoted people. The once respected Republican party has become a party of disingenuous zealots who only care about controlling people, not the people themselves.

Rick Scott--in Wisconsin--will bear the shame and tainted legacy he leaves.

Rick Snyder--in Michigan--who has already left many with dubious thoughts about him because of the Flint water situation--will also bear the shame and leave a further tainted legacy when he leaves. It's a shame and embarrassment to the Republican party and it should leave a really sour taste in the mouths of all who support this kind of subversion of elections.

I believe this behavior is a concerted, planned ploy by the Republican Governors Association (RGA) to deny incoming elected officials their right to govern and in the case in Michigan, we know Republicans are angry that the top positions elected will now be held by women--and like the misogynists they are--they're trying to control what the women do--as if they need babysitters.

The people of Wisconsin are fighting back, just like those in North Carolina (on the heels of re-doing their election because of election fraud) and those of us in Michigan, will not lay down and let repulsive Republicans get away with this effort to thwart the voters. In our democracy--we have a constitutional right to choose who we want to govern us and the fact that there are those who choose to "rampantly push through legislation out of spite" during lame duck sessions--reveal how much they hate our democracy.

Those supporting repressive and probably illegal practices of subverting a voter's constitutional right to choose who they want to govern, should be sanctioned and never allowed to hold public office, anywhere.

The People--in every state--have a right to choose who governs them and how they choose to do so, not the outgoing legislators--passing dubious bills--limiting authority of duly elected leaders.

It's Time To Fight Back, America

In Every State That Tries To Deny

The Rights Of Duly-Elected Leaders!

We Need To Outlaw Lame Duck Legislation That Interferes With The Authority of In-coming Leaders!

I'm In--Are You?

Write, call, fax, email, tweet your legislators who are trying to interfere with the democratic process and let them know, you're paying attention and you will make sure they're never elected for anything, ever again. This behavior is fraudulent and they should all be sued for "subverting democracy and the constitutional rights of voters." Check your state's government websites for contact information for your legislators and get busy. I've been involved in the protest in the capitol in Lansing, emailing, faxing, and calling, and tweeting the legislative leaders and the governor. We must stand up and fight back, if we're to maintain our democracy.

Our Vote Is Our Voice And It Matters!

Protesters at Michigan Capitol--I'm on the end "live streaming" event.

Get Involved!

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."

"Tell The Truth And Shame The Devil!"

Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. John 8:32 NIV
Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want want to carry out our father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet, because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. John 8:43-47 NIV

Although we know that Jesus was talking to the Jews who had a problem believing who He was, we also know that those words ring very true today. Liars are influenced by the devil, the truth is foreign to all pathological liars and until we are willing to speak truth and accept truth, we remain in bondage to doing the devil's bidding.

I think it's about time--everyone woke up--and started speaking the truth about daily news events and the threat hanging over us with Russia's asset in the White House. I have been saying this for over a year and some have chosen to stop following me and that is certainly their right. I will continue to speak the truth as I see it. donald trump is a Russian asset; he has been used to dismantle American democracy and we can see the effects on a daily basis with the attacks on the media, on people of color, and even on those elected officials in Congress. Whether there are those who want to admit they made a mistake by supporting trump or not is totally irrelevant. If American democracy is to be sustained, we must all speak truth to power and keep speaking it until it sinks in and when or if it doesn't, we must all be prepared to fight to save our Constitutional freedoms by voting blue in every election across the nation!

As Jesus told the Jews, the reason many won't hear my voice or the voice of others who consistently speak truth about trump is because they do not want to hear truth and they are following the dictates of the devil. It doesn't matter whether those who refuse to hear and accept truth call themselves Christians or not. If they refuse to hear and speak truth, it's because they are not "Bible Christians" but conservative Christians who are in essence--false Christians. I am a Bible Christian and I will speak truth and if people choose to hear it, great, if not--great. I will be held accountable for what I do--and they will be held accountable for what they do. I will speak truth and speak truth, shaming the devil. By the way, the title of this blog is reflective of what I've heard a number of preachers say, "tell the truth and shame the devil." It is appropriate at this time and place in our history. We must tell the truth--the world sees and recognizes the truth and they're judging the rest of us as to whether or not--we will. Russia has an asset in the WH and his name is donald trump.

For instance, the special counsel that trump keeps trying to impugn (along with a number of republican congressmen) is not conducting a witch hunt (and if they are--they're finding witches with all the indictments). The "witch hunt" theory is simply smoke and mirrors propaganda, designed to keep his base from hearing the truth. It's a tactic also used by other dictators--along with maligning the press--especially those who print and broadcast truth. The devil is afraid of truth, which is why he tries so hard to keep people from hearing the truth. For if people heard truth and spoke truth, the devil would be out of business and peace would be possible on earth--in all countries.

Another tactic being used to erode truth is the misleading information about the Democratic Party--created by the GOP to malign Democrats. There is propaganda being spread all over the Internet via blogs, ads, and videos--produced by conservative entities that are determined to suppress the vote--especially the vote of the Black Community. If anyone in the Black Community has succumbed to the GOP lies, it's time they woke up to truth--the truth is that Republicans don't want you to vote unless you side with them. And the reason they want you to side with them is so they can--call a Constitutional Convention, rewrite the Constitution, and take away the rights of all people of color and women. Don't believe me--do some research for yourself. This is all part of the plan to allow the United States of America to slide into tyranny. Look at the imbalance of power that exists and know that if Republicans remain in control of all branches of government, there will only be a dictatorship governing.

Look, this is not about abortion rights and religious freedom as those "conservative (false) Christians would have people to believe--this is about our democracy--about putting country before political party. If we don't, we all suffer the consequences and none of us will survive the outcome for long. We already see increased cost at gas pumps, transportation of food and goods, and in October--the increase in healthcare insurance will be more than many of us can afford--all because of party partisanship that cares not one whit about the people. The fact that elected officials have lined their own pockets and bank accounts is the fault of those who voted for them without paying attention to their open agenda--they did not hide their agenda, but they were counting on people to put political party before what's best for the country. And here we are!

However, just because we're here--facing the possibility of seeing the demise of American freedoms, we don't have to let it happen. The only way we can stop what's happening right now is get out and vote and vote Blue--No Matter Who! We have to vote Blue in every local, state--primary and general election to get America back on track to sustain our Democracy. If we fail to do that--this November 6, 2018--we may never get a chance to vote again. Again, don't believe me--do some research and determine the agenda that trump is pushing in order to give Putin the advantage over America. I will never stop fighting to keep our Democracy strong and to keep a dictator from running rough shod over all.

In Michigan--for our primary on 8/7/18--vote for Gretchen Whitmer for Governor and Dana Nessel for Attorney General and Ellen Lipton for CD09 and Kristina Lodovisi for state Senator.  In November--Vote Blue--again for Gretchen, Dana and all other Democrats on the ballot. For Supreme Court Judges--vote for Sam Bagenstos and Megan Cavanaugh to balance decision-making.  Don't allow GOP tactics to keep you under the thumb of a rising dictator in America.

Across this great nation on November 6, 2018 rise up and vote in numbers never thought of before and make your voices heard--We Do Not Want A Dictator ruling this country--so Vote Blue--No Matter Who--across the land.

 

Whose Freedom?

"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6 NIV)

When I read this passage of scripture, I am reminded that Paul understood and wanted us to understand not everyone professing the name of Jesus is a Believer of Jesus Christ and desires to please Him. Hence, the warning to those who have a right relationship--doing The Master's Will--so they would not lose their focus.

When I look at current events, the re-hashing of hatred and bigotry against Christians--those standing up for their right to follow all the teachings of Jesus Christ, I shake my head and pray.

Since when did it become right for someone to infringe upon another person's rights--especially the rights of those who have chosen to obey God in all things? Where is the freedom of our choice if we cannot stand on God's Word?

The enemy is LAUGHING OUT LOUD because it would appear that he's winning the last battle. The enemy of Jesus Christ has effectively deceived some weak-willed Believers into thinking that freedom of choice is only for those who yell the loudest. Terminology is skewed and twisted to make sure the message of hate is loud and clear, but it is not hatred coming from true Believers; the hatred is coming from those who wish to live in opposition to God's Word. This is how Satan operates--creating confusion when God establishes clarity.

So, whose freedom are we really discussing in the media? Is it freedom of choice for all or just some? And for those who stir the pot of confusion because of their guilt, will they ever know freedom? They want to be free from observing religion--so who's stopping them? But when we choose to observe all that God has taught, we have no freedom?

The message about freedom is a matter of choice. What we actively and consciously do in life is always a matter of choice. Everyone has the same freedom to choose what they do or at least we should. If one place of business doesn't want to do business with me, I take my money elsewhere. It's just that simple. If I wanted a cake made a certain way, I'd bake it myself or support a new business who will do what I want. But notice the "I's" in the previous sentence. There is more to living than what I want or any other individual. Life is not meant to be lived in isolation so I must learn to live among others--respecting the boundaries of beliefs and expecting others to respect mine.

We really need to stop the foolishness and wake up and see this debate for what it really is--Satan having his way in the minds of many, creating confusion and rolling in the floor laughing at all he has done. It's not about the freedom on any human being; it's all about his freedom to destroy mankind.

Now, whose freedom is at stake here?

Human Effort!

"The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63 NLT)

For those who do all they can to make life bearable for themselves and others, I commend you. For those who do nothing but seek self-comfort--I wonder about you. For those who walk not after the flesh, but allow Holy Spirit to guide all you do, I thank God for you. If what we do is not by the leading of Holy Spirit--our efforts will amount to nothing, short of temporary solution.

The old adage that is better to "teach a man to fish than to give him one" is still relevant today.
Now, I know there are some who do not believe God or that He exists and they think that what they do is more important than what most Believers do. If acknowledgment from man is all a person wants, then--it is enough. However, if one wants to please God, then one must things the way God wants them done--this ensures eternal life, beyond the temporary life here on earth.

Does that mean people should stop giving and assisting others? No! What this means is that before we do anything, we should seek Him for direction and then do what He says.

We know from all the documented sources about "giving people a helping hand" and then watch those same people end up in the same condition in which we found them, If we're going to really help people, we must begin with "wisdom and knowledge" so they will be able to do for themselves.

In Michigan, there are thousands of jobs available, but people do not have the skills to get the jobs. Why? Too many people, here, do not have the literacy skills or technology skills needed for the jobs.

As an educator, I am appalled at the attitude of those who think education is a waste of their time and yet, we still have the highest unemployment rates in the country. And now, many who are receiving benefits from the state are crying foul because their cash assistance will not be available for long. Their protests are pointless since the state has been saying for over five years that people had "five years" to get an education or job skills and most--didn't believe it and just sat around on their hind parts, waiting for the handout.

If they had been forced to demonstrate sufficient literacy skills in order to get the assistance, they would be in a much better place than they are in right now. The assistance received, should have been based upon their ability to get an education or job skills training as a condition of receiving the benefits. Sometimes, as seen in Michigan, waiting for the mailman becomes a career that requires little effort. Well, the mailman's job just got a little lighter (figuratively speaking) and many will find themselves wishing they had paid attention to "the last letter" they received.

I'm sure the conditions mentioned about Michigan may be true of other states as well, and what we must do--is to educate people about how to do things--especially in giving. We must remember that it is not by human effort that we accomplish anything, but by the direction of Holy Spirit that we can accomplish all things.

When No Relationship Exists!

"In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6)

Considering all the events in this country for the last two years, we are living "in those days" when no one in authority has a right relationship with God. That's basically what the writer in Judges is saying. When no relationship exists with God, men (mankind) do whatever they want to do and then chaos reigns. We know that chaos reigns in the midst of our society--especially in the United States--because of the decisions that "men" have made to pacify flesh with no regard to doing what is right in God's sight--only their own.

When no relationship with God exists--men legalize sin--in all sorts of manners (condoning same-sex relationships, drug use, pornography, prostitution, all manner of whoredom) and then the same people who applauded the legalization of sin--condemn anyone who dares to disagree with them--spouting their first amendment rights. What happened to the first amendment rights of Christians? Are we not citizens in this country, eligible for the protections of the same laws? Or is it that only the anti-Christ are in position to change laws to appease flesh and promote hatred of those to speak what God says? There appears to be a double-standard here, but only those in relationship with God can see it.

When no relationship with God exists--confusion enters in and takes control. Men and women are confused and promote the confusion in the schools and community so that children also become confused. God is not the author of confusion, but we know that Satan is. Unfortunately, the devil has blinded the eyes of those who follow him and they do not see the pit he is digging for them and by the time they realize what has happened, it will be too late.

When no relationship with God exists--men are subject to the debilitation of all manner of sickness and disease that  occurs, in many instances, as a result of sinful living. There are some who would argue this point, but the bottom line for sin is this--"the wages of sin is death." God is not mocked! We can do whatever we want to do--but in the end, God's Word will not come back void, and it will perform all that it says it will.

When a right relationship exists with God, peace and prosperity reign in the land. Healing exists for those in right relationship with God. Love for all mankind and God exists for those in right relationship with God. Wisdom exists for all those in right relationship with God. Insight exists for all those in right relationship with God. For all who are not in right relationship with God--they lack the wisdom of God to see the conclusion of the matter. They have forgotten the history of mankind and sin and what God does and they are therefore, doomed to repeat the tragedies of the past.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to see the need to stay in right relationship with You. Remove the scales from the eyes of those who have been deceived so they can see the end of their lives, right now. Strengthen the minds, hearts, and determination of all who are in right relationship with You to stay the course You have established for us. Thank You for loving us enough to give us one more chance to get living for You right.

Ravaging Politicism (excerpt 2)

Getting back to Arne Duncan’s statement, it seems obvious that no one respects his views—especially legislators who are in bondage to oxymoronic thinking (or perhaps the more apropos term would be—moronic). Otherwise, if their brain cells were actually functioning on “an average level” they would increase budget allocations for education rather than cut them. Giving some states more money has proven that the lack of money is not the problem. The real problems that need addressing are standardized testing that in no way improve test scores. If we want to see an improvement in test scores we need to develop the means to motivate students to want to learn and provide teachers the opportunity to teach, not test. Teachers in classroom across the nation are bombarded with testing which yields no relatable results as to their efforts in the classroom.

Specifically, in Michigan the Detroit Public School system spends money for testing on a monthly and quarterly basis in addition to the State testing. Michigan has the lowest level of literacy across the nation with most only able to read at a fourth-grade level when the student is in high school. However, Michigan’s Tea Party Governor boasts improvement in graduation rates, but does the increase of students graduating mean much when they no reading comprehension skills? We have students who graduated from high school in college settings who do not know how to do simple division—add, subtract, multiply and divide. We cannot even consider their inability to do algebra or higher mathematics. For the record, the federal government and other foundations have poured good money after bad in their attempt to gain a measurable foothold in academics and have failed miserably.

First of all, anyone who wants to teach should know how to teach his or her subject content.  Aspiring teachers should be qualified—through coursework and experiences—that demonstrate their ability to get the job done. In Michigan, twenty years ago—teachers were not tested to see what they knew or understand. They only had to complete the coursework to receive a teaching certificate. This is not to say it is the teachers’ fault! I hate people blaming the downward spiral of academic proficiency on the teachers. Educating a student—any student—should be a partnership between parents, teachers, and the community. At this point in our state (and this is probably true for others), there is no partnership because most parents will not engage in the process! Since I do not wish to be redundant in a diatribe against the Michigan School system, I suggest reading my findings in, “If Parents Cared Enough, Johnny and Juaneshia Could Read” available wherever books are sold.

Another foil to keeping academics competitive was the course of action taken by a Superintendent in Detroit who arbitrarily decided that teachers did not need to teach grammar in an English class. What he really meant was that the “black students” did not need to know grammar or they might be able to compete with their counterparts from the suburbs for quality jobs. For the record, I am not a racist; I just call things the way I see them since there was no justification for this course of action. Even with the foolish, not every black person is incapable of using the language appropriately. After all, I am black and have up to this point, demonstrated competency in using Standard American English.  Now, twenty years later, the students in Detroit School Systems and in surrounding suburbs do not know how to use Standard American English because some idiot(s) decided it should not be taught. This is why, our students cannot write proficiently. They are reading with an inadequate proficiency level because all the testing does not allow time for them to read anything of substance as part of the “standardized” curriculum.

What education really needs is to get back to basics and leave all the pseudo-reforms in the pit they have dug, along with those who proposed them. How does all this factor into resulting in ravaging politicism? The legislative changes that take place that attempt to be politically correct are digging trenches we may not be able to survive. How does this factor into the equation? Textbook publishing companies connect with legislators and they climb into the proverbial bed of allegiance with kickbacks to those creating legislation and money for all to enjoy. This is the real reason for the educational gap in measured achievements.  What we have as our guiding influence in many areas is a pseudo-façade of anyone caring about the students, but all wanting their share of the till.

 More to come--on legislative morality, parenthood, and religious deficits.