We Do Have Choices!

No matter what "traditional thinking" is regarding tribalism when it comes to politics--we do not have to vote for a person just because they're in the "right party" or because of their political careers or celebrity status or their gender. What should be important to all, in any election, is the candidate and what they stand for. (Shudder now known tribalists).

I know there are some who say we should vote for those with political experience. The problem with that is--if those are the only people we vote for--no one else ever gets a chance to learn how to govern. We cannot be expected to know or understand those things to which we have never been exposed. However, committing to being a life-long learner puts in a position to learn and do. After all, what's the point of learning things if we never have an opportunity to apply what we've learned.

Therefore, in the 2018 election cycle--there are many people who have never entered into politics before now but chose this moment and hour to make a difference. Not only will this hold true for the 2018 election election cycle, but for 2020 election cycle and every election cycle afterwards until the United States of America is truly governed by, the people--the Everyday Americans--who understand what is needed for all.

Since the Republican party--(Conservatives or whatever they choose to call themselves) have abdicated their responsibility in allowing a fascist to run rough shod over America, it's time to let them rest and reconsider the role they could have to play in American politics. In order to make sure we fully root out the problems--I think the Republican party needs a 20 year rest--just enough time for them to regroup and rethink what it means to be an American and who Americans are. Until they understand this--they should never be in a position to legislate laws or govern anyone, but themselves.

In essence--in order to purge the evil intent, greedy corrupt malefactors from Congress and local governments all over the country--the #BlueWaveTsunami is a must--to save humanity and our planet.

No matter what ethic group we identify with or gender or religious group--no matter what our political party affiliations are--we are all Americans and we should respect all Americans whether we agree them or not--it's called "choice." We do not have to denigrate those with whom we disagree nor do we need to try maligning them to make ourselves look better. In fact, any time we have to resort to "dirty political tactics" by dredging up every known and unknown thing about a person, we have wasted precious time and resources that could have been used to exalt what we want others to remember us by--where we stand and why.

So, here's the point of this particular blog post--I am a Black woman who is daring to entertain the idea of running for president in 2020. Some have said, I won't make it because my limited political experience; some have reminded be of the odds against me simply because I'm a Black woman, and some don't think I can withstand public scrutiny and daggers thrown by those opposing my run.

They have a point--though I began this exploration with limited political experience, I'm gaining insight as to what I need to know by becoming a precinct delegate and being appointed to my city's Zoning Board of Appeals Commission. I'm competing training modules provided by the National Democratic Training Committee and learning from those who have already cleared the path. I will be the 8th Black Woman or the 9th Black woman to run for president (if Kamala Harris gets her paperwork in before me). Being a Black woman is not going to deter me from seeking to do good--it never has and it never will.

I have a heart to save and a desire to push America forward and help prepare everyone to handle the technological challenges and in restoring our global position with other nations. I am an Everyday American, with no political baggage, no celebrity status, and no desire to be a "bought" candidate. No one can bribe, bully, or blackmail me about anything. And yes, I am an imperfect human being, which makes me a Flawed But Fearless Fighter for justice for all. I've accomplished quite a bit in my life and I don't plan to stop accomplishing until I'm dead (in about 34 years from now). For the rest, if anyone wants to know more they can simply review where I stand on facebook.com/YesIAm2020 or do a search on my name. Nothing new can dissuade me and nothing old will deter me from my destiny in 2020. Win or lose (and I do plan to win), I'm making the case for everyone--to exercise their right to choose--remembering we do have choices.

I'm choosing the candidates I know will fight for all--not because of gender or party, but because of who they are in 2018. I hope in 2020--people will do the same--and vote for an Everyday American--in every election--to govern all Everyday Americans.

 

As I Watch...

As I watch what is happening in this country, I am consistently amazed at how easy it is to dupe, non-thinking, bigoted people.

The gullible, and some who have to have superior intellect, believed the lies of the most odious person on the planet in America.

They believed he cared about people (specifically to working class)--he does--those who are "uneducated" and believe his lies. Those who are just as bigoted as he is and those who hate President Obama simply because of his skin color. Yeah, he cares about all those people--the 33% forgetting about the rest. The tax bill that he is so anxious to sign, does not benefit the middle-class as touted, but the rich--especially the rich donors who want to see a return on their investment by electing a traitor.

I'm watching Christianity spiral into the dung heap of pagan religions because of the "religious-right" who have no relationship with Christ and are disgusting those who do as well as those who don't believe. They would rather vilify those who disagree with them, rather than come to a place of understanding by talking and listening to one another. They tout they are "pro-life" when in actuality, they are simply "fetus lovers" since they do not respect or care for life outside the womb. We know this is true based upon the policies they support that take from the poor to give to the rich. They claim to be Christians--wearing the label only--but never doing the work. They quote scripture on social media outlets--proclaiming their love of God when they have forgotten that it is difficult to see how anyone could love someone they cannot see when they don't love those they see (1 John 4:20). They have also forgotten that the Word says, "to whom much is given, much is required."

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 NIV

As I watch--complicit Republicans plot to fire Robert Mueller, creating "facts" without evidence and igniting anarchy against the FBI, I'm appalled that in a country founded upon the principle that everyone is entitled to freedom of speech and opinion. And just because FBI agents shared opinions with others--does not make them unable to do their jobs. I'm flabbergasted at how elected officials are such whiners simply because people don't agree with TraitorDon. I mean really--using who contributed to whom as a basis to determine culpability or inability to do one's job! Only a desperate person would even attempt to rationalize that strategy. In particular, I've referring to Jim Jordan--Ohio Republican and Matt Gaetz--Florida Republican--the noise makers who talk so fast, they trip over their words and most psychologists would recognize the desperation in their frenetic discourse.

They're afraid. Truth will prevail--no matter how much they whine and to suggest--appointing a second special counsel to investigate the first special counsel is not only ludicrous, but negligent because of the cost involved.

As I watch unfolding events on a daily basis, I am not deterred at the foolish and the mockery of Patriotism; I'm empowered--more determined that ever to get into position to make a real change in America where all Americans are valued and respected--where we put Patriotism over tribalism and all benefit from the process.

As I watch interactions on social media, I'm counting on all those who post their disdain of the current political climate to act and support all (not just me) who want to make things better for all.

As I watch the situation, God is also watching. He knows who really belongs to Him and it's not just those who "quote His Word" but cannot live the life of a True Believer.

Though I am not perfect, I serve a perfect God who will guide me into all truth and pour wisdom into my heart that I may know how to serve all by serving Him.

Robber Barons

Dear Congressional GOP:

After you voted to pass the tax bill that no one had read this morning, I think we can safely conclude you are indeed--21st Century Robber Barons--along with your wealthy donors and lobbyists.
Robber-Baron--an American capitalist of the latter part of the 19th century who became wealthy through exploitation (as of natural resources, governmental influence, or low wage scales) (Merriam-Webster definition).

You have decided that appeasing your donors was more important that representing your constituents (60% of whom were against this bill) which means among other things, you cannot claim to represent your constituents and we can claim "taxation without representation" since you ignored the calls and letters submitted by Americans. That means, a tax revolt--the foundation on which this country was founded--revolting against evil.

Before you attempt to take the high road, let me remind all of the hypocrites who claim to be Christians, yet know not Christ. How do I know you don't know Christ? Because Christ would not promote or support--ever--abandoning the poor and needy. In fact, we are told in The Word of God to defend the rights of the poor and needy. "Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:9) But I guess the only time you open your bible is to just read, not understand or to lift a scripture out to quote to those gullible enough to believe you belong to Christ. If you cannot do Christianity, don't wear the label--it makes you a hypocrite.

Would Christ concern Himself with providing tax relief for those who own private airplanes or golf courses?

Would Christ tax scholarships for students trying to further their education so they can be more productive in society?

Would Christ eliminate funding sources that inhibit access to affordable healthcare for the poor and leave those without health insurance to die from inability to continue treatment for terminal illnesses?

Would Christ ignore the very basic principle or tenet of Christianity--loving all--unconditionally?

Would Christ eat in abundance and live lavishly while others went hungry?

Would Christ build a wall to hinder those seeking shelter and safety from doing so?

I suggest, strongly, dear Republican Hypocrites that you have never read what Jesus said in Matthew 25:33-45 in any version of a bible. Therefore, let me remind you by publishing it in this letter and perhaps you and your staffers (hope they make more than $75K a year or you may see a revolt) can meditate upon the meaning and then read from a version of your choosing.

He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Matthew 25:33-45 NIV

When you stand before God on Judgment Day, what will you hear Him say? "Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:23 or "“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" Matthew 25:23

I live my life as a Christian--doing the label and not just wearing it--and I know when I stand before Him I shall hear, "Well done!"

You have time to change your course, but since you are arrogant and believe you're right, you won't. I would say, I would pray for you, but then, that would dishonor God's Word when He told Jeremiah--“So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you." Jeremiah 7:16 NIV You might want to read the first 15 verses for context and understanding. Fits all of you!

So, believe this: I will do everything in my power to persuade, cajole, encourage, convince voters across the country to stop believing the Republican lies and to turn the country Blue in 2018 elections and 2020 elections! You see because in the Word of God, the Democrats are the righteous since we do what The Word says do and you are on the goats on the left--defying His Word to support your greed and corruption.  You are indeed--the epitome of a Robber Baron operating in the 21st Century as an appendage of your lobbyists.  Never again!

Sincerely,

Mary Hall-Rayford

#Resisting and Deterring the evil of the Republican Tribalism