“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” – Thomas Sowell

https://www.usdebtclock.org/

          “Driving around Washington DC these days can be a Bear,” called out the Colonel, waving to the agent prominently with a wide smile from his hotel lobby chair.

          “I walked,” Josh replied hurriedly in a loud whisper, frustration palpable. Their dialogue had begun WAY too early, and Agent Stephens now sped his pace toward the author, veteran, and Presidential candidate. A “Person of High Interest” his team was aware of on an SCI level, his mind’s internal debate began. But the Colonel was no longer under surveillance, his team declared him cold, and a good citizen can talk to a Presidential candidate. His mind’s defense only provided a small comfort, for many could view this meeting as ill-advised, if not treasonous. Colonel’s bellow across DC’s InterContinental lobby amplifying the agent’s nervousness, Josh still managed to keep his speech volume loud enough for those in close proximity to discern, calm and normal in tone. He was certain the Colonel couldn’t hear him from this distance.

How did he know I’m the federal agent he was meeting today? There is no way he could have recognized me, unless… it had begun, or the battle was raging on, he wasn’t sure. Just nerves, just paranoia, press forward. Agent Stephens’ face reddening further, he now fumbled in his pocket, ensuring his phone was off for a third time. A scene from the original movie “Jurassic Park” came to mind: “Dotson, We got Dotson HERE!”

Suspecting he and the Colonel were the only people anyone would remember being in InterContinental’s hotel lobby that day, the agent took a deep breath, again trying to slow time… Relax. He focused on the positives.

Inconspicuous at best, Josh’s firearm was imperceptible to the naked eye, and his FBI badge was intentionally covered by his sportscoat at beltline. After all he did to ensure his meeting today was quiet, Josh Or something was telling him to… He motioned a peace sign to the Colonel, wearing shorts, t-shirt, and tennis shoes, and forced a smile through his discomfort. After all, he was the one who asked the author to meet him.

Time needed to slow, the thought pressed harder.  He needed to RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE of this moment.  THE SIGNIFICANCE of THIS DAY!  It was LOUD in his mind, though not a word audible.  As if being provided for him by something outside of this world, a passage of Scripture flowed into his mind, followed by what felt like a young man’s voice.  “’I tell you the Truth, if these voices didn’t speak up, the stones themselves would cry out.’  What you are about to do??  Phwew, thank you Sir.”

          In stride and on mission, Josh stole one last glance to his powered-down cell phone. Re-securing it in its silent pocket, his forearm instinctively brushed over his holstered weapon, and a calm again came to him. Check, all is right where it’s supposed to be. Deep breath. Whatever had been going on these past few months at work… then at home as he began remote work… then hearing The Call and feeling his world collapsing about him… Joshua Stephens took another deep breath. It is now, he reminded himself, arriving next to the marine, still sitting in his hotel lobby chair.  Slow Time – it’s not a race to do it fast, but a chance to do it right. 

          He felt like he was in a movie, a Super-Hero that Venom had latched itself onto, all for the good of the world, and his plot critical moment had now arrived! Reflecting on his life up to this point, Agent Joshua Stephens took in the Colonel. A lot had been put into this day, a lot was at risk, and the Agent could feel his blood pressure rising. Slow is fine, just remain aware.

A lot had to happen for Josh to get here – secretly breaking away from his team long enough to interview one of their “persons of interest.” It had been over a year now since 24 hour surveillance was called off, since the FISA judge ruled, and, although he was certain his team would have no footage of the day’s events, he wasn’t sure about the enemy’s… in any case, it felt delightfully devilish to see his contact, not relay anything to anyone, and be on his own time.

The Agent’s mind had been rationalizing this meeting for months now, and so it continued. He had called an author, why shouldn’t he? If he told Agent Michaels he was going to talk to one of their subjects, it would have raised flags where there didn’t need to be any raised. He was a good man, a good agent, and a good citizen who wanted an answer to a few questions and took some time off work to ask it – that was all this was. In Life, Joshua Stephens performed in school, thought Eagle Scouts was damn cool, and applied to the FBI.  At least, that’s how he saw it. To him it was a chance to do good in the world, and it seemed one of the few logical choices at that time in his life.  And now, he was being a good citizen, using his time away from work wisely, and that is why his FBI badge was concealed. Why was he hurried?  Relax.

          “Colonel Middleton?” he confirmed, keeping his voice low in hopes the Colonel would talk quieter.

          The rank always got ‘em, reminding him again WHY we were here, what Jake was doing, his intended purpose.  “What’s that?” he managed, looking up from his phone. “Have a seat,” he offered.

          “I’m Josh Stevens, I spoke to you on the phone,” he started, wishing the Colonel’s cell phone was turned off at least.  “I’ve seen your pictures and I recognize you Sir,” he pointed out, again wondering how the Colonel fingered him across the hotel’s lobby.  “I would like to start by saying this is off the record as you requested.  My given name is Joshua L. Stephens, I work for the FBI on a team led by my immediate boss, Special Agent Gabriel Michaels.” Reflecting again on his choice to arrange this meeting, Josh took another deep breath, still standing before the seated retired officer. “And to the best of my knowledge, none of them, no one has any idea I’m here.” 

Again, Josh’s mind reviewed his impromptu checklist: Work cell is fully charged but silent, ringer OFF, Vibration OFF, location ON, sitting in his work desk drawer in a file named Signed Contracts. No one would expect to see it there, no one would hear it, yet it would reveal that Josh had been at his desk during this time to those who didn’t know better, and had a justifiable alibi for being it such a strange location – it must have slipped into there on accident while he was working. All wifi and bluetooth was turned off in his office, he put it in airplane mode before leaving the building, silent once to the street, turned off once confirmed no one questioned where he was going, and secured in a Silent Bag before this meeting. No one knew where he was, nor could anyone know where he was going… There is NO HURRY – the voice him strongly. 

“I’ve been thinking about this, Mr. Hand. If I’m here and you’re here, doesn’t that make it our time?” – Jeff Spicoli, Fast Times at Ridgemont High

“I’m Agent Stephens, the one who called you,” Josh tried, extending his right hand.  From the Colonel’s odd blank stare, Josh now felt he was in another world entirely. Opening a piece of paper shriveled in his left hand, the FBI Agent read the words aloud.  “Did you find the Hotel Ok?”

          “Driving around Washington DC these days can be a Bear,” Jake replied, nearly as loud as when Josh was across the room. As the Colonel relayed that he hated the fact that there was never anywhere to park, Josh felt in panic mode, like every hotel camera and microphone in the world was pointed at the loud men in the middle of The InterContinental lobby. 

Now looking the young Agent Joshua Stephens up and down, the Colonel truly had no idea what to do…

“But when they hand you over, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  At that hour you will be given what to say.” – Matthew 10:19

“I’ve never been to the National Spy Museum!” Jake excited boldly, rising from his lobby chair with a wide grin. Cringing, Josh felt as a soldier searching for cover. Although he had once read that the Colonel’s disability included a severed hearing nerve and surgical removal of his inner ear, his vision of this day did not include the marine’s booming voice, and he didn’t know what to do with it. Just nerves. Just paranoia. Press forward.

“I cannot control the volume of my voice.” – Will Ferrel, Saturday Night Live

Feeling as if on a movie set, Eye of Sauron centered right on him, Josh envisioned that if anyone were ever to review the hotel lobby’s camera feed for anything suspicious, THIS was it. Paranoia. was a camera in the hotel lobby, Josh suspected that Silent phone In any case, The InterContinental’s entire hotel lobby now knew where the two were going…

Sheepdog-ish grin disarming, the Colonel’s eyes now beamed a pleading smile.  “Seriously, I haven’t been. Spy Museum sounds awesome.  Can we go??” Eyes widening, Jake rose with a smile and a shrug.  “I’ll walk with ya, it’ll be fitting,” he decided, reaching out to shake the young agent’s hand.  “And, on the way, you can tell me why Joshua Stephens from the FBI called me.  But first we pray.”

The marine stopped abruptly, grabbing Joshua by his shoulder, the two forming a small huddle just outside The InterContinental’s glass doors. CVS store and man on a mountain bike their only witnesses, they prayed the Lord would guide them as they set out boldly to the Spy Museum.

          And that’s when all Hell broke loose! shouted Venom. Although the Colonel’s odd behavior made Josh a little uncomfortable, the truth was he was little thankful for it.  One of the reasons he phoned the author was because he sensed he was supposed to… like he’d never be able to hear His Mission unless he asked to… and thus he closed his eyes and asked Jesus to join him…

          “Father Lord,” Colonel Middleton began, “I pray for Joshua and I.  We know, Lord Jesus Christ, that when 2 or more are gathered in your name, you are right there with them.  And we pray now that you will hear us, watch over us, and lead us in the direction you have set out for us.  I pray that, as you reveal Your Promised Land – explain to Agent Josh,” he stumbled, “what it looks like, what it is you want from us down here, and how a righteous man can best walk in faith with you… that you’d provide us with the courage and strength to accomplish your holy will.”

          “You Ready?” 

          Joshua Stephens opened his eyes, but the world he now viewed had already been forever changed…

“If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny; consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan’s apprentice.” – Yoda

“You gettin’ ready?” the marine smiled, pushing the young Agent now, “Or?” Whether Agent Josh Stephens committed treason when he phoned the author of a manuscript determined by his team to be SCI still remains under speculation, but this scene in his life he remembers vividly and will NEVER FORGET. The Colonel eyes were wet, as though perhaps he was tearing? Was he in pain? Contemplating something? Or did his eyes water because he was THAT EXCITED about going to the Spy Museum? Josh could feel the Inspection taking place, the marine in front of him shaking his hand. Colonel Middleton smiled at him now. “Or are you gettin’ ready to get ready?”

*****

Jake felt the pull, clear as day he did.  The Urge, the desire to fight, nature’s natural instinct when threatened.  Why? 

“We have had 13 states independent 11 years.  There has been one rebellion.  That comes to one rebellion in a century and a half for each state.  What country before ever existed a century and half without a rebellion?  And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?  Let them take arms.  The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them.  What signify a few lives lost in a century or two?  The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” – Thomas Jefferson

           Is The Urge justified, or something stimulated by Social Media? He thought the national debt to be real.  Supply chain problems?  They seem real too.  Inflation?  Yeah, definitely.  Submitting the instincts to God, Jake reverted to Thanksgiving, as often was the case on holydays. 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

            We were free, Jake again reminded himself, yet the battle raged onward.  Are free, he fought further.  An Ancient once told him, “Behind every sin is a Lie you are believing,” and now his spidey-sense danced in full alarm. 

Was his nation borrowing more, creating more programs to ‘help’ people, trading freedom for the lie?  “You should create more programs funded by money you printed – that’s a good solution,” the voices taunted, saying the lies out loud now.

When he felt The Urge to fight, Jake often turned to Comedy as his relief valve.  And although Monty Python’s classics helped him to remember that he should always look on the bright side of life and not take things too seriously, he still found it difficult to shrug and smile the voices away.  To Jake, they were trying to enslave his children – a person who couldn’t defend himself needed a good man who knew he should help.

“Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.” – Abraham Lincoln

We should be debt-free – again he heard it plain as day, connecting with the Truth of it.  Through issuing of debt, his government was indenturing his children’s future earnings and production to men who cared nothing for them, their futures, their families, or their livelihoods.  

“I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” – Thomas Jefferson

Through issuing of debt, his government now paid, just in interest on the debt it issued, over a thousand million-dollar stacks, each and every day, to entities that cared nothing for us. “Yeah, that should be good for the people,” the voices taunted further. “Let’s borrow money to fight a war on poverty,” they heckled now.

“It is an old maxim and a very sound one, that he that dances should always pay the fiddler.  Now, sir, in the present case, if any gentlemen, whose money is a burden to them, choose to lead off a dance, I am decidedly opposed to the people’s money being used to pay the fiddler.”– Abraham Lincoln

“Thank you God for this world,” he began slowly and purposefully, the battle in full force now. 

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7

“Thank you for giving us a place where we can be free and good; where we can honor you, treat others as we wish to be treated, and live under a government that treats all equally, fair, and maintains an honest and balanced budget.  To be beacons of your light Lord Jesus, thank you.”

“The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” – Proverbs 11:1

“Let the Dollar be a Dollar,” came the message now, it’s simplicity stupefying.  In truth, it now seemed as if President’s Day Holiday itself existed solely such that Jake would re-learn the Ancients’ campaign slogan. 

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7

And when you win, when the Lord blesses you, you help those around you.  You show His Love.  That’s our best world.  That’s WHY He wants it.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

The Battle intensifying, Jake again felt as if he could glimpse the end zone… the goal… the mirage of a world at peace shining in the heavens, New Jerusalem in all its beauty. 

“I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government; I mean an additional article taking from the Federal Government the power of borrowing.” – Thomas Jefferson

What could he do? Jake pondered.  How could he best help?  What would the Lord want him to do?  If it truly was a holy day, a time to dedicate to a higher power… and if we would try to hear our Presidents, what would they say?

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time.” – Barack Obama

The time is now.  This IS the universe we have!  Eyes instinctively scanning for cover, his mind always searching for a safer spot, Jake fought The Urge.  But the voices only crowded him further, leaving him nowhere to retreat.

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

2024 Campaign Rally – “Let a Dollar be a Dollar”

#WakemeupatBalancedBudgetConstitutionalAmendment

#VisionPresident

Dear World,

We don’t know why our government handled our withdrawal from Afghanistan in the manner it did.  Most of the time, we don’t even believe they know why.  We don’t really understand how or why the Pakistanis support the Taliban, why Iranian government officials fund groups who plot to mass murder people, why there are Chinese camps of abuse, how Indians should respond to attacks in the Kashmir region – we’re not exactly sure what the solution looks like or how the Lord will bring it to pass.  We do realize that it is critically important for us to continue trying.

“The World is not ours to keep.  We hold it in trust for future generations.” – Kofi Annan

We didn’t know that we made some agreement with Taliban officials in Qatar, admittedly probably due to the fact that we weren’t paying attention.   In any case, we don’t know why we transitioned out without a UN force replacement, a signed UN Resolution – did we approach the UN about a resolution and peacekeeping force?  We still don’t know.  This article is from last month – claiming this as a copy of a “draft” letter to Taliban from UN.  We agree with you Norway et al, let’s roll – let us not grow weary of doing good.

“More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny.  We can master it only if we face it together.  And that is why we have the United Nations.” – Kofi Annan

We don’t know why we left Afghanistan without fire protection, without getting our civilians and equipment out – it all seems bizarrely poorly managed to us, to say the least.  And we now fear whatever UN Peacekeeping Force is positioned will end up having to combat weapons we left behind.  Our government points fingers at itself, always blaming other people’s misjudgements.  We didn’t know who Zalmay Khalizad was, why we didn’t sign a force agreement with the Afghanis, and we don’t really know what to make of it all.

“I think we agree, the past is over.” – George Bush 

But here is what we do know:

Life is hard enough without people purposefully making it more difficult.  Men and Women are born as children of God, meant to be cherished and loved, and all people have an inalienable right to pursue happiness in this world.  They need to be free to do so, and this noble cause unites good men and women across the globe.  A man has a right to go to work without being blown up, abused, or assaulted.  That’s what we know.  In today’s world of weapons of mass destruction, instant worldwide communication, and international trade increasing the quality of so many lives across the globe, the United Nations has a critical role to play in our future – AS a defender of justice, peace, and security.

“We Mutually Pledge To Each Other Our Lives, our Fortunes, And Our Sacred Honor.” – US Founders

Dear Afghanistan,

As America returns home, I feel there is something you need to hear.    

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:43-45

          I remember when men, hiding in your nation, killed our sons and daughters.  Although free and good men could not tolerate it, nor can we forget, we will always try to forgive.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” – Matthew 5:6

          You have tasted Freedom. 

“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” – George Washington

          We will continue to try to demonstrate righteousness, to treat you as we would hope you would treat us, and to support the good men and women throughout the world who believe that, indeed, we are children of our Father in heaven, and He both blesses and charges us with Freedom.

“So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” – John 8:36

Our sincere hope now is that you can better see the Truth about Us.  Every Peace begins with an end to War.  When you hear claims that we are infidels, pigs, and tyrants (and war does bring out the worst traits even in the best of men), I hope you’ll remember that, for 2o years now, we have trained side by side with you.  We did NOT come to Afghanistan to exploit you, rule over you, take your land, steal from you, impose our will, laws, and religion upon you – those were all lies.  America has never been a colonizing nation.  We were born fighting against such a notion, asserting instead that men are free, created equal, and that these free men decide what government is best for them.  So we had to leave.  In order for us to remain US, we must leave the government of Afghanistan to the people of Afghanistan. 

“If there is one principle more deeply rooted in the mind of every American, it is that we should have nothing to do with conquest.” – Thomas Jefferson

We came to Afghanistan because we, like you, have men and women who wish to be loving, kind, gentle, and free, and there are evil people in the world – people who strive to kill, maim, and destroy.  Those men are dead, and your country is yours – make it a good one.

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

Good men will continue battling Evil til the End of time.  Until that day, we will continue to work with whatever government you establish.  Yes, I mean that.  YOU have the baton now, you ARE FREE to choose your future, and what you become now IS up to you.    

“Freedom is not free.” – Korean War Veterans Memorial

Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Japan, Britain – others have fought with us in the past but today trade as friends, trying to make each other’s lives a little better.  I pray this is our future as well.  You are a child of God, you can be a light of righteousness even when it is darkest, and the Lord does take care of his children.  Stay strong, speak truth, be good, and have faith.  God is compassionate and merciful.  Seek Him and you will find.  Keep up the good fight!  We wish nothing but the best for your sons and daughters, We love you, and, for those of you whose souls continue to cry out for freedom, We hear you!

Yours in Faith.  🇺🇸

“Jefferson Lives!” – John Adams, July 4th, 1826

“I agree with you, that in Politics the Middle Way is none at all. If We finally fail in this great and glorious Contest, it will be by bewildering ourselves in groping after this middle Way.” – John Adams

John Adams letter to General Horatio Gates 1776

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-04-02-0023

“I know, indeed, that some honest men fear that a republican government cannot be strong, that this Government is not strong enough; but would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm on the theoretic and visionary fear that this Government, the World’s Best Hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself?  I trust not.  I believe this, on the contrary, the strongest Government on Earth.  I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasion of the public order as his own personal concern.”  – Thomas Jefferson

                Wait?  Do you believe that honest and good people would treat this country as our Best Hope, understand its beauty, and rise up to defend our Government as if it actually mattered to them personally? 

Yes, for indeed it does.  Ok… Tell me more.

“About to enter, fellow citizens, on the exercise of duties which comprehend everything dear and valuable to you, it is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government; and consequently, those which ought to shape its Administration.  I will compress them within the narrowest compass they will bear, stating the general principle, but not all its limitations:

Oh, thank God!  Thanks for compressing the essential principles down to the narrowest sliver possible – because I’m really busy, you know, being Me and all, and hearing what you think takes time.  Instagram gives you 59 seconds, but I really only give you 3.  Hey, perhaps now you should listen to what I think!  Yes, that sounds like a — No?  That’s NOT what you’re saying?  Are you sure?  Because a good President of a Republican government would allow – wait, what is happening, why am I being escorted out?  What?!  Oh… you were going to tell us, in as small a body as possible, the most essential things for us to know. 

Yes, you need to stop talking in order to hear.     Ok… Tell me more.

Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state of persuasion, religious or political

Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none

Support of the State governments in all their rights – as the most competent administrations for our domestic concerns and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican tendencies

Preservation of the General Government in its whole constitution vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad

A Jealous care of the right of the election by the people

A mild and safe corrective of abuses which are lopped by the sword of revolution where peaceable remedies are unprovided

Absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority, the vital principle of republics, from which is no appeal but to Force – the vital principle and immediate parent of Despotism

A well-disciplined militia, our best reliance in peace and for the first moments of war till regulars may relieve them

Supremacy of the Civil over the Military authority

Economy in the public expense, that labor may be lightly burdened

Honest payment of our debts and sacred preservation of the public faith

Encouragement of agriculture and of commerce as its handmaid

The diffusion of information and arraignment of all abuses at the bar of the Public Reason

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of the Press

Freedom of person under the protection of the Habeas Corpus

Trial by impartially selected jury

Wait, so that’s it?  That’s your narrow sliver?  Let me see if I’m hearing this right… We Democratically elect representatives to be in our Republic.  These republican representatives then ensure Government treats all the same, regardless of persuasion, strives to be honest and fair with everyone, submits to the majority under a bar of Public Reason, attempting at its core to be an honest payer of debt, an encourager of commerce so that labor is lightly burdened… Free to think, worship, and say or print things without government intervention and, if and when accused of a crime, given due process of law in front of an impartial jury.  That’s it?!  Wait, do I talk now?  Can I say something? 

No.         Oh yeah, sorry.  Shh… OK, tell me more.

Yes.  That’s it.  I believe the Lord wants us to be good, and that means to strive toward these principles.  In fact, I believe that it is these very principles which form the light that guides us, they are what has brought us here, through this revolution and reformation, to everything that a man can hold dear and valuable – for my brethren, my fellow citizens, it is these principles that have brought this nation, our Nation, to right now…

Everything we do must be guided by what is right and just and good.  Everything – the Wisdom of the Sages, the Blood of our Heroes, it is all toward the attainment of that Great Light.  This is our tenant and creed, it is where we meet, and right now is our opportunity to try to pen instruction, give it those upon we decide to trust, and then, if ever we should begin to stray away from them… it is these principles that hasten us to retrace our steps, compel us to regain the footing we once had toward that Great Light, that Political Faith, the path that best leads us to Peace, Liberty, and Safety.  That is what we are doing!  And we cannot walk alone.  As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.

Jake shook his head, savoring the juices of the tobacco, before eyeing his captor.  “It is compelling,” he nodded, “to me anyway.  That’s the problem I keep running into.”  He shook his head harder now, trying yet failing again to remember the Creed.  “Every time,” he averred loudly, frustration now discernible in his tone.  “And we’re just going to keep running into it,” he reflected further, chewing on the truth of it.  “Always,” he pleaded, shaking his head a third time as he spit into a red cup.  Grinning at his captor now, Jake felt a resurgence of energy he hadn’t felt in years.  “That’s the problem you have,” he concluded, smiling fully now.  “The problem you have is that he’s right.”

https://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/jefinau1.asp – Jefferson’s 1st Inaugural Address

For the first time in our great nation’s history we celebrate Easter Sunday, the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical Full Moon of the Lunar calendar, and then, eight days later, we celebrate the 20th day of the 4th month of the 20th year of the 20th century since we started counting the years of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

I don’t know about you, but for me, this April 20th feels like the year the Grinch came and tried to ruin our Easter. The Grinch’s name? Wuhan apparently. It’s been a tough year for the Church of Good Trips, COVID being a respiratory illness and all – now if someone harshes out, everyone thinks their life is in danger. So what to do on this April 20th?

“I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty, than to those attending too small a degree of it.” – Thomas Jefferson

I don’t know if you’ve taken the red or blue pill, nor do I profess knowledge on how the Lord wants us to properly celebrate April 20th this year, but I am getting more familiar and comfortable with Zoom calls, and my plan is this:

“In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless; but planning, indispensable.” – Dwight D. Eisenhour

At 3:33, we will review an update on the Housing Market from Windermere Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. Then we will open to discuss the Convention of States movement, the COVID pandemic, and our latest efforts. Invited guests include you, Mark Meckler and his team at ConventionofStates.com, Bill Gray and Dr. Larry Arnn from Hillsdale College, and the President of the United States. @PotUs Then, at 4:20, my Pegasus and I are going to go find the treasure. 🏴‍☠️ 😀

@conventionofstates

@hillsdale.edu

@realDonaldTrump

You can join me at zoom.us/j/7237436309

For all of you who are trying to balance the Truth that COVID is real, is here, and is now, with the Truth that we can only be good from here… please know that you are not alone. God loves you, and so do I.

“I think we can agree. The past is over.” – George W. Bush

#ChurchofGoodTrips

“Help us Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re our only hope.” – Princess Leia, Star Wars

Maybe it’s because I watched Star Wars’ Episode 1 last night – “The Phantom Menace.” Maybe listening to Matchbox 20’s “How Far We’ve Come,” or hearing my freshman Congressman speak last weekend, or maybe it was meeting with the Bread of Life Charity and talking about their mission. I’m not sure exactly what, but somethings got me all fired up again.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12

My district (California’s 49th) changed from Red to Blue last election. Mike Levin won a seat in the House after Darrell Issa retired and, as for me, little changed. I still believe that both of them want to do good while they are on this planet, nearly all of our elected officials are trying to be good men, and that’s the God’s honest truth – just not sure where that leaves me. Independent? Reform Party? Just Human?

“Promise me you will train the boy.. He is the chosen one… He will bring balance… Train him. Train him.” – Qui-Gon’s final words to Obi-Wan

Do the Red and Blue battle forever in hopes that one day, after we’ve kicked Evil’s ass all the way to Kingdom come, we will be left with what is best for us? I don’t know, but as I look around, it still feels to me like Darth Maul killed our Master and now we need to carry on. That’s the cross America must bear, We the People are Sovereign.

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” – John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 1798

Hearing my Congressman talk on Saturday about how he felt when taking the oath, knowing that indeed it imprints upon a man – well, it got me thinking again – renewing in me a strong sense of hope, assurance, and confidence that good men will indeed triumph. To all of you flying to DC and back every week, spending Saturday at your 198th House party, conversing with your constituents, meeting with Generals, putting out fires, working for the people around you – I say Thank You Sir.

“Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.” – Thomas Aquinas

Stressing how America could use a balanced media diet, Congressman Levin relayed a welcome calm to the television’s tension. After a few questions, the tide turned to Trump impeachment, and I didn’t ask anything. On the way out, however, I did get the Congressman’s ear for a moment and relayed my question: “Do people in the House talk about balancing the budget? Or have we all agreed we’re not doing that anymore?”

“The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;” – Article 1, Section 8, Constitution of the United States of America

Although Congress is certainly granted the power to borrow money, I wonder whether our founders ever figured that we’d decide one day to assume as much debt as they’ll give us, talk about the good we’re doing with all the money we borrowed, and live as slaves. Weird way for us to die I think, but maybe it is indeed Fate.

“Permit me to issue and control the money of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” – Mayer Amschel Rothschild

I still believe the right answer is to reveal what being good looks like, show them why it looks this way, and then charter our leaders to go that direction. We need to pull the heading knob, steer the ship, take control, and be the good People we were created to become. We don’t need to borrow to live – why do we keep believing this lie?

“There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” – Acts 4:34-35

I now see why Communism is so attractive to some, but as for me, I still hear it loud and clear… and uh, he sounds pretty sure of himself when he says it. We were never meant to call government the disciples, give our earnings to them, and create government programs to take care of the least of us. This was never His desire for Us and, because of this, why our current course will never work.

“Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” – Micah 6:2

We can borrow to make it look like it’s working (and we have done plenty of that, even set the interest rates at an artificial low for over a decade so that we could “afford” the exorbitant interest payments we’ve accumulated). In the end though, in our soul, we know that our nation will never thrive by borrowing. We can only change, or die this way.

“If it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time or die by suicide.” – Abraham Lincoln

That’s how I see the Sith Lord now, the Phantom Menace, and why he is so difficult to destroy. He uses your good nature to get you to engage in wars across the globe, borrow more, puff your chest out, beat “them” – all the while happy to lend you more money than your children can ever pay. The Phantom Menace gets you to destroy yourself.

“I believe the world is burning to the ground. Oh well, I guess, we’re gonna find out.”

“In order to be a good person,” he starts softly, “to show a love for your neighbor, to demonstrate that you too want to live in a pleasant world where we value one another, striving to be good and free, kind to all – you agree we are supposed to be good, right?” Forgetting now that he wields a dual bladed light saber, you nod assuredly. Yes, I do think we’re supposed to be good and free.

“Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, ‘Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” – Mark 12:13-14

“And so you agree my good Sir,” the Sith continues, “that our government should do more to help people, good citizens should support programs to aid our struggling neighbors, and what would benefit our community most is to borrow money to build more low income housing, fund the State board of Equalization, you want to be a part of a Great Society, don’t you? Whoever has money gives so we can do this great work, we will borrow as needed to assure all people are cared for, promote government assistance for all as needed. You agree this is best, right?”

“At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we will have revenge.” – Darth Maul to Darth Sidious

Forgetting now that a free market, a free people, and a desire to be good is what is best for society, not understanding that the Sith will use your tithes to build a war machine, support his followers, entrenching his position, you find yourself nodding still, even as he sets out to make your children slaves. After all, you figure incorrectly, if government doesn’t build low income housing, no one will. Forgetting now that Oprah funds orphanages, business CEO’s fly goods to Puerto Rico, and the churches really do care for people, you begin to believe his lie, his fiction, his made up reality that a free market, a free people, and one nation under God doesn’t work, is cruel and heartless even, and we must task our government to do better.

“Still one thing more, fellow citizens. A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is what is necessary to close the circle of our felicities.” – Thomas Jefferson

And this is where I go for Jefferson’s light saber, eliminate the Sith’s Apprentice, and agree to train the boy. Question is, train him to become what?

“The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'” – Luke 10:35

To give directly to the Bread of Life Charity, visit www.bolrescue.org

“I believe it all is coming to an end. Oh well, I guess we’re going to pretend.”

Yours in Faith.

#WakemeupatBalancedBudgetConstitutionalAmendment

“Rumors of my demise have been greatly over-exaggerated.” – Mark Twain

Happy Easter, Happy Labor Day, and God Bless everyone!  After I finished my Opus, I stopped blogging for a bit.  You ever feel like everyone in the room is all thinking you need a break?  Like the best thing in the world is to shut up, sit down, and listen for a while.  Well… it kind of felt like that… and the book is long, so I took a break.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

It’s been awesome!  Just got back from a mission trip to Africa, had a wonderful adventure, and I’m excited to report that, for the first time, the children of Risa, Kenya now have fresh water piped to a 500 gallon water tower!  Thank you Africa Thriving, Cerrone, Pastor Daniel, and all those doing good in the world.  I am most grateful to be home again – got to spend Labor Day teaching my 16 year-old boy how to drive a car around the neighborhood.  Best Labor Day yet!

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

On my flight home from Africa, I not only got to view the Harry Potter movies for the first time, but was able to catch the newest Avengers movie as well.  As they often do, the fictional movies cause me to ponder our non-fictional world, the 9 realms of Asgard becoming the 9 judges of our Supreme Court, or the 9 wraiths seeking the Ring of Power – depending on how you view them, Us, our political state, and the World…

“The world is changed.  I feel it in the water.  I feel it in the earth.  I smell it in the air…  Much that once was is lost; for none now live who remember it.” – Galadriel to Frodo, Fellowship of the Ring, Lord of the Rings

Maybe it’s nothing, but I do feel that way.  That a generation, our best generation, is slowly but surely boarding the Elvish ships and departing.  A humble salute to John McCain – thank you Sir for your life of service and devotion to our great nation.  But as they depart, I do wonder.  Do the Avengers and Super-Heroes ever win?  Or do we just keep borrowing?

“We cannot forever hide the truth about ourselves, from ourselves.” – John McCain

I felt an urge to start “Vision President” many years ago, and now, as I watch Super Heroes trying to defend “Vision,” fight the never-ending battle for Goodness, prevent the Enemy from winning… for me, I think about this site, what prompted me to start it, and I wonder… what would “Vision” say is the best way for a Society to function?

“So do all men who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide.  All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.” – Gandalf to Frodo, Fellowship of the Ring, Lord of the Rings

Whatever your answer, know that I treasure your right to have it.  As for “New Deal 3” manuscript, the 3rd edit is complete, book is back on Amazon, and a charitable donation will be made to “Africa Thriving” for each book sold in September.  Still not sure what all happens in Volume 2, but I’ll keep plugging away.  I’m not quite dead.

“Friends, I shall ask you to be as quiet as possible.  I don’t know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot; but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.   Fortunately I had my manuscript, so you see I was going to make a long speech, and there is a bullet – there is where the bullet went through – and it probably saved me from it going into my heart.  The bullet is in me now, so that I cannot make a very long speech, but I will try my best.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Yours in Faith for a better America and a better World.