Why We Must Vote!

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A Voice In The Wilderness!

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’  John 1:23 NIV

We know of course that John the Baptist was speaking of Jesus--then. But there are many voices that are getting lost in the wilderness of noise designed to create and promote confusion. The noise--is the distractions that are constantly getting in the way of people being able to see and hear clearly what must be heard.

For those who think--"a fallen tree in the forest when no one was around to hear it doesn't make noise," you are deceived. There is noise when a tree falls--the animals hear and are usually alarmed and scatter. In fact, whenever there is a noise in the quiet of a forest--disrupting the peace of normalcy--the animals scatter---hiding until they think it's safe to reappear.

Our democracy--and the fair and free election process--has fallen in the midst of the noisy distractions created by the corrupt GOP who desire people to ignore it. They have done everything possible to distract from the truth--attempts to suppress the vote during the election (successful in some places), through intimidation and lies about polling locations changing, trying to claim "voter fraud" when they were backtracking to make sure their fraudulent practices were not discovered (they were), to deliberately reassigning boundaries to keep themselves in power (courts are assessing).
They are the distraction and "WE THE PEOPLE" must be the voice in the wilderness that gets heard.

We must stand up and speak out against the manipulations and corruption we see deployed by elected officials on all levels--locally and nationally.

When elected officials lie, we must call "BS" immediately and confront them with facts and truths (which most of them don't want to hear).

When the menace in the White House--consistently demeans and maligns the press and those in America who don't support him, we must speak with a loud voice and remind him--this is America and if he doesn't like the Rule of Law and our Constitution (which he has violated multiple times), he is always free to leave and go stay in Russia or anywhere else he admires dictators.

In America--Signers of the Constitution understood how the voice of freedom could get lost in the noise of those who want to dictate and control others. They understood the consequences of anyone getting into a position to become a dictator because they came to this country to escape the foot on their necks by a monarchy.

Our voice--in the midst of the chaos and corruption we see and hear all around us, must be heard in our vote--in every election--for if we do not exercise the right to vote--at all times--we lose our voice and the noise suppresses truth and freedom.

To better understand what is happening in America, check out the electoral map of every state and realize what the GOP have been planning with the help of those who suppress truth and promote lies. Their goal--to rewrite the Constitution so it only benefits rich, white males. It's time all of America does their own research, using reliable, credible sources--in order to make a logical, rational decision in coming elections.

This is our time (EveryDay Americans) and we can prove how important our voice is by promoting an avenue for every voter to educate themselves about the issues and who really cares about them.
We cannot afford to allow the noise to suppress our voices--it's time to show up and show out at the polls--creating the Blue Wave Tsunami--so we can no peace in the land, again.

If no one else will do it--I shall--and I won't be silenced by threats, hatred or bigotry or the noise of those who attempt to silence me. I am a true American Patriot and I will not allow--without a fight--the loss of our democracy to be "the blood on my hands."

I'm interested in building bridges that lead to stronger relationships for all Americans, not constructing walls of absurdity, hatred, and bigotry. What's your goal?

 

I'm Mary Hall-Rayford and I approve this message and will continue to be A Voice In The Wilderness!

New Day, Old Lies!

For those living in Michigan--time to pay attention!

Yesterday, I was out with a team of volunteers collecting signatures for Gretchen Whitmer--to get her on the ballot--in a very public place where I met people from Pennsylvania, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Missouri, Massachusetts, and a number of different counties in MI. Where was I? Eastern Market in Detroit!

There I stood at the foot of the ramp of the bridge crossing over 375 and gave my 30 second spiel about Gretchen Whitmer for those who said they didn't know her. After meeting another petitioner who was collecting signatures for, "Promote The Vote," we stood together and made quite a team. The Camaraderie was great and we connected on a number of levels. Both us are Democrats, both of us love this country and want the best for Michigan and the United States; we're both retired, working educators and we both volunteer to help others. That was a pretty good starting point and I think we'll have a lasting relationship. That was the new day--yesterday, but the comments made by some--were the same old lies, designed to defeat.

We could tell by the reaction people when we approached who was a Republican and who was a Democrat--the Republicans didn't want to hear anything I had to say about a woman running for governor and they didn't want to hear anything Therese had to say about making sure everyone had an easier access to voting--including an absentee ballot--without having an excuse. They didn't want to hear it. Now why would they not want people to have easier access to voting?  Fear of others voting for Democrats? I can imagine they drew some conclusions about the two of us--a white woman and a black woman, working together to make sure there is change for the better for Michigan.

And then there were the "natives" who are still holding onto the lie that voting won't matter because all politicians lie. There's no ignoring the fact that many politicians--mere human beings make promises without knowing if they can keep them or not; it doesn't make them bad people--it simply means they didn't have enough support to get the job done.

• When Democrats had control of the House and the Senate in Washington for Obama's first two years--they were able to save the automotive industry with bailouts that were repaid and establish a healthcare bill that gave millions access to healthcare. After the first two years--and with the promise McConnell made to the Republican Senate--not much worthwhile was accomplished--with Paul Ryan leading the House because they were determined, "to make Obama a one-term president."  When that didn't happen, they simply refused to support anything that would benefit the nation as a whole.
• For the past eight years, we've had a Republican controlled government as governor, house and senate--and no matter what any Democrat candidate said while running, it probably didn't matter since the Republicans were determined to make government about and for the rich--not all the people. There were a few instances--one in which Gretchen Whitmer was successful in achieving a bi-partisan effort in the expansion of Medicaid in Michigan.

The above "points" indicate the necessity of having a well-balanced congressional government or if we really want to see change that benefits "all" the people, Democrats need to be in control of the House and Senate--both on a local and national level because it is the Democrats who establish policies and governance for all, not just the rich.

Here are a few tips about voting this year and every year.

• Don't believe the hype or the polls--do your own research, get registered, volunteer for a candidate and then get out and vote and make sure those you know--vote as well.
• Know for a fact--if you don't vote--your vote won't count and if 20,000 people sit at home thinking their votes won't matter, chances are we'll end up with Republicans controlling government for the next 10 years or more.
• Stop and think--our country is in danger of our democracy being dismantled, deliberately by those in office right now. We know because neither the House or the Senate is upholding their oaths of office and leaving #Rumplethinskin in office is going to cost this nation dearly.

Don't take my word for it--pay attention to the world around you and beyond Fox News. Other nations are more concerned about us than many in this country are--which makes one wonder--do we have what it takes to set aside our differences long enough to get our country back on track? Or will be simply allow the Putin implant to destroy our country and our values?

We don't live in a world that is simply "black or white," but right and wrong--have never changed. Racism, bigotry, xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny are all WRONG! Love is always RIGHT and we cannot take care of those in need if we are in capable of loving others--no matter what they do.
We can disagree about lifestyles without hating; we can disagree about religions without hating; we can disagree--agreeably about anything--without hating.

Are we going to let the "old lies" keep us from living in the greatest country ever that acknowledges every person as a human being and where laws and policies demonstrate equal treatment of all?

• A woman's hormones will not be a deterrent for them to be great leaders in government.
• Black people are just as smart as their counterparts with different skin tones and have been great leaders for centuries.
• Teenagers have just as much right to voice their opinions and concerns as any other group--they see, they analyze and they vocalize.
• We are not a nation divided by race and religion--we are all Americans--united as one--fighting for the survival of this one nation--America.
• Our votes do matter because they're our voice in government--if we don't vote--we have no say in what happens to us.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and we need to make sure--the iceberg doesn't sink us all into oblivion. Go vote! And if you don't know enough about a candidate--#VoteBlue (down ballot)--you can't go wrong! As long as we're divided in government, nothing will ever be accomplished that will benefit the Everyday American.

 

 

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK AGAIN FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL!

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.

Let's Stick To The Issues!

This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. Acts 23:27-30 NIV

Whenever people have nothing of substance to add to a discussion, they inevitably turn to talking points that have nothing to do with the issues at hand. We know--those who Believe and accept God's Word as true--that Jesus was arrested, illegally tried, and crucified as part of a plot by those who were envious of the attention He received. And now, some years later in this passage of scripture, we see a repeat of the motive--envy and jealously over things the religious leaders did not understand. And since they did not understand it--it couldn't be true or right--according to their logic.

Throughout history, if we examined and analyzed every event microscopically, we'd see this scenario playing out over and over again and it hasn't stopped yet. When people "blow things out of proportion" because they do not understand them, it is a sign that they will do anything to accomplish their own self-centered goals to destroy another. When people are "outside the loop" of knowing--they tend to see conspiracy in all that others do, yet they are so blinded by their envy and agenda, they do not see truth about themselves. Why? Because they have nothing of substance to say about "real issues" that affect the lives of others.

There are serious flaws in our political system that allow a person who knows nothing to run for President of the United States. There should be some sort of vetting by a committee--not necessarily government officials, but people in the know--who determine the competency of anyone running for President. And this is beyond the criteria already established regarding citizenship and age.

What do we need to know about political candidates?

• Do they know and understand our nation's history--from beginning to present--and all of the changes that had to take place in order for this country to be "united" as one?
• Do they understand how government works? Were they paying attention in civics classes?
• Do they understand how global economy works and that a nation's economy can not be compromised by "bankruptcy" when debts are owed?
• Do they understand the importance of "relationships to develop partnerships" with other countries?
• Do they understand that conflicts with other countries cannot be solved by endangering civilians with "just bombing entire regions" to root out evil?
• Do they understand the potential fall-out from other countries who have been disrespected and maligned simply because no knowledge about how things are done "right" is known?
• Do they understand the potential for civil unrest and violence when promoting hate-mongering and fear-mongering when those tactics are only used by those who are insecure and love to intimidate others?
• Do they understand the importance of keeping Americans safe from the angst of other countries when we speak without thinking?
• Are they willing to set aside their personal interests when it conflicts with "what's best" for the country?

These are the issues that should be addressed before anyone is allowed to become "a great pretender" and think they have what it takes to sit in the White House. For if the answer to the above questions is "yes" then political campaigns can stick to the issues in setting methods to solve problems, not create them or waste their time with personal attacks which have no relevance in the greater scheme of things.

Though I may seem to be beating a dead horse on this issue of politicism, I have to say that comments regarding Bill Clinton have nothing to do with Hilary Clinton's ability to serve this country in the White House. It is merely a distraction and opportunity for those who keep bringing up his past because they have nothing of substance to present in making a case for bumbling ignorance we see in the other candidate. 

When it comes to the criticism of Hilary being untrustworthy and a liar--how does someone who has filed bankruptcy four times, leading to others losing their businesses, think they are trustworthy? And perhaps, he doesn't understand that constantly back-pedaling on issues he should have kept quiet about from the beginning--is lying. He apparently doesn't understand the principle behind "the pot calling the kettle black."

I simply pray that Hilary will not stoop to this level of personal attack that have no relevance in the greater scheme of things and that she'll stick to the issues and present a case to the American public that ensures the continued greatness of this country--in spite of what others say.

And for the rest of us--the voters in America--I hope we can make a decision that sticks to the issues and not personal biases about who is the best qualified for the job--whether we agree with a party platform or not.

When People Rejoice!

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2 NIV
Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. Proverbs 29:6 NIV
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25 NIV

If we've paid attention to the current unfolding saga occurring in the UK, we can't help but see how impetuous thinking, without consideration of all the probabilities can negatively affect an entire country.

Based upon the interviews I watched (which coincided with other political analysts' conclusions), it was the frustrated masses, the fearful, and the bigoted who voted to leave the EU, while the young people who also voted to leave, expressed regret over having voted in favor of leaving. Those who now regret voting to leave the EU, understand from the fallout, they didn't have sufficient information to make that decision to vote to leave.

Although there are some rejoicing over the outcome, their joy may be short-lived when they realized the predicament they will now have to resolve.

For Americans and other nations, the fall-out was immediately expressed in the uncertainty of what will happen with the downturn of stock market. In spite of the fact that the republican nominee thinks that devaluing the pound is a good idea, most Britons do not. They are facing job losses, security around their borders which will be their responsibility, and the possible loss of corporations doing business in their country.  And it is important to note that not every country in the UK voted to leave the EU. Scotland is determining how they can retain their relationship with the EU in spite of what others have done.

My concern--in spite of what others may think--is that if we allow fear-mongering, bigotry, and outright deceit by a political candidate to sway people into voting for them--we, too, will wake up the morning after the general election in November with deep regrets.

In order not to experience remorse and regret over our one-time vote for a president, we must then pursue seeking truth--all the information we need to make a responsible decision and then consider all the possibilities that will result from our decision. We cannot base our vote on the emotional upheavals generated by those who think they can run a country. We must exercise wisdom and common sense, based on what we see and hear the candidates say, not just the journalists--and then we must be willing to investigate the truth for ourselves.

Here is one example as to why we should listen closely.  The campaign advisors--seeking potential vice-presidential candidates are asking for their "tax returns" when the presidential candidate is refusing to reveal his. That's a bit of hypocrisy. "Show me yours, but I'm not showing mine."

And then we must all realize--with scales off our eyes and ears unstopped from personal attack propaganda and understand--the republican candidate back-pedals consistently because he speaks without thinking or having sufficient information to have a credible opinion. All of the political fact-checkers have refuted most of what he has said about his opponent, but that doesn't seem to stop him. He is also his best publicist! No one says as much about his business acumen or wealth as he does. So, the question we should ask ourselves is--why is that?

I don't know about you, but I'd rather wake up rejoicing the morning after the election in November than to wake up groaning with regret. Only the righteous will understand this sentiment--those who have a right relationship with God--and will continue to pray for wisdom in all things--especially for those in the UK who must now face their dilemmas in isolation.

Wisdom Is Needed To Lead!

That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 NIV

Believers know the story about Solomon and how he asked God for wisdom instead of riches and God gave Him the riches and honor, too. Amazing! The king humbled himself before God and acknowledged he didn't have what it would take to lead God's people!

There are so many lessons that can be learned from Solomon's life. First of all, his ascension to his father's throne was fulfillment of prophecy.  There are some things that are going to happen in our lives that are simply fulfillment of God's plans. What we do with those plans are on us.

Then, we need to know within ourselves when we need help. Thinking we know everything when we don't is probably the detonator that will trigger disaster in our lives. None of us knows everything and we all need people in our lives to help us to accomplish anything worthwhile.  We own what we do not know and ask for help before either cause an implosion or an explosion that destroys us and others.

When we understand God, through our relationship with Him, we know there is no wisdom like His and we go to Him to ask for wisdom and direction in all area of our lives. And get this--He won't think badly of us when we come to Him for help. What He will do, is to honor our request. He will give us more wisdom than we can handle at one time, but He will also guide us in using the wisdom He gives.

Another lesson we obtain from learning about Solomon is to not get so full of ourselves that we forget how God expects all of His people to live. Solomon allowed his wealth--the material things to mean far too much to him to the point that he boasted--to the wrong people--of all he had. And to make matters worse--he married all sorts of women and had concubines and lived long enough to understand--he had gone astray and what befell him was because of his disobedience to God.

I have heard and seen many people proclaiming that even though Trump is not qualified to be the president of this country that we should just pray for him. Here's the challenge with that approach--all the prayer in the world will not make him fit to be president if he is not willing to hear God.  
Presently, I see no evidence of him ever listening to God because he's too busy listening to himself. We must remember that God allows all of us freewill choice--He does not make anyone do anything and He won't change who He is because of Donald Trump or anyone else.

Therefore, my prayer is for the nation--that as Americans we will stand firm on God's Word and seek Him in all things--including who we put into office. When we are willing to listen to God, He will speak to us and we will hear what He says--even over the barrage of insults and media sensationalism.

Lord, give us a heart to hear You and then give us the desire, the will, and the courage to obey what we hear.