The path of the Anti-Christ: Unwittingly paved by right-wing Conservatives.

I remember watching the Omen trilogy as I grew up. Raised as a Christian, the book of Revelation was always of great interest to me. So when Hollywood found a way to put it to film, I reckoned it was something that would grab my attention. And it did. Groups of Satanists, hidden in the halls of Washington and throughout the political landscape as they paved a path for the birth, nurture, and ascension of the Antichrist. What was interesting in the Hollywood depiction was that it was never indicated which political parties would be complicit in the succession of this blasphemy that would scour this planet. As the years moved on, Republicans started to proclaim themselves not only as “God fearing” but morally upright as they gladly pointed fingers at the Democratic party. Unfortunately, for the Democrats, their investment in questionable platforms and causes (though with good intentions) have made them prime targets for these “Sodom and Gomorrah” type accusations. Needless to say, some folks might have even suggested (based on several “evangelical” sermons that were televised) the Democratic party not has the monopoly but is practically complicit in aiding and paving the path for the Antichrist. It is, easily, possible to accept such an assumption based on the behavior of many in the entertainment business that have left and Democratic leanings. And for a while, it seemed that way … until the 2016 election (and the so-recent 2024 election). As a registered Republican for more than quarter of century, I truly believed that we had a high moral ground, we stood for decency, and real values that made this country great (democracy, equality, freedom). In 2016 (and later on in 2024) when the Trump candidacy reared its head, I learned in a painful way, that I lived a lie … or at least some of the folks that I had associated myself with were in fact a bunch of bushwackers, farces and frauds. The problem with many of the “God-fearing” members of the GOP is that despite being warned against (by the Bible) false prophets, and paying attention to the mote in their opponents’ eye whilst ignoring their log in theirs, their thirst for power and dominance has led them to ignore and tolerate so much. In other words, it is easier for them to point out and amplify a few blood droplets on the other person’s clothing whilst completely dismissing the blood splatters that drenches their very own. And of course, have the audacity to still BOLDLY claim the high moral ground. Those dogs won’t hunt.

So what do we know about the Antichrist (at least in theory). He is supposed to be very charismatic, possibly from a wealthy background, and is quite the charmer as he’ll possibly be able to bring many parts of this fractured world to unity (you don’t get to be world ruler, when a significant portion of the world hates you … and yes, I hate to say it but that puts both Trump and Musk out of the running).  He’ll have the ear of many heads of state and he’ll be politically savvy. He’ll have access to resources that’ll be able track all sorts of things and people on this planet. He’ll create a new currency and new ways that the world would conduct financial transactions that would transcend all borders (exchange rates, along with cards, physical cash will be a thing of the past). At his rise, many will be forced to take his “mark” which is most likely to be in the form of something containing a microchip and without this “feature” many folks will NOT be able to engage in ANY form financial transaction (which debunks many anti-vaxing theories since many of these folks are still able to purchase firearms and large screen TVs).

Wealthy, charismatic, charming, having the ear of many heads of state. The moment Musk ditched his liberal leanings and invested in the social media platform, Twitter, transforming it into a “safespace” for uncensored and free speech, he became hailed as a “savior”, “hero” and “patriot” by many of the right despite the fact many of them chose to shell out $8 per month to get their vitriol noticed. Well, he offered them a platform for “free speech”, he didn’t say it will be completely free. What is noticeable is that for someone that works in the tech industry, he has found the time to be jetting around the world chatting up a storm with many head of states. Now, I know that I mentioned earlier that Mr. Musk was not exactly in the running to be THE AC, but as I will try to show that he’s stirring a lot of interesting things in that cauldron of his as if he’s paving the way for someone else. I can’t every recall Steve Jobs ever jetting around the world constantly shoving his face in other countries politics, but yet here is Mr. Musk meddling in business that is of no concern to him and, sadly, influencing some of them. You’d think he’d be trying to figure out a way to make a rechargeable battery that does not require rare earth elements that China seems to be globally gobbling up and gaining a monopoly on. Interesting.

Creating a new currency, and new ways the world will conduct financial transactions. Paypal revolutionized the way people conducted financial transactions on the Internet. It is interesting to know that Paypal was co-founded by Elon Musk. Now several years ago, he had mentioned plans of upgrading and creating a better peer-to-peer payment system. And then came the age of cryptocurrency. Prior to the election and through the inauguration, the news was populated with talk of cryptocurrency. Imagine a currency that is mostly made of ones and zeroes, in theory, this would do away with exchange rates, the need to carry physical cash or cards around, and world becomes borderless when it comes to money. Such convenience, where do we all sign up? The writing is on the wall, though we can’t quite make most of it out.

The ability to track all things and people on this planet. The beauty of developing you own space agency (SpaceX) is that you get to be able send things into space such as cargo, people and … satellites. In the last decade StarLink has become a household name (well almost). From providing internet services to rural areas to military use in the Ukraine where Ukranians are able to monitor, track and disrupt enemy movement by remote. The thing about technology is when it comes to tech being used to monitor or track large things, it can be scaled down to monitor small things such as individuals. Combined with what is hyped to be the most effective AI on the planet, Musk’s Grok3 along with StarLink’s capabilities moves from the old “skies the limit” adage to beyond. Still making out the writing on the wall as yet?

What about that “mark” thing? In their dissatisfaction of the 2020 election results, certain “folks” decided to politicize the ongoing pandemic as a solidarity rally point. Meshing conspiracy theory with religious prophecy, they claimed that COVID-19 vaccines contained microchips and some claimed that it was the “Mark of the Beast”. People took up arms and protested against this, and taunted their fellow masked citizens that were merely thinking about the lives of others. On socials, many bragged about being “pure bloods” and unvaxxed. So when Musk unveiled the Neuralink, a microchipped device that could be implanted in the brains of individuals that may suffer from physical paralysis and allow them to interact with the digital world, one would have expected a bunch of pearl clutching and raised eyebrows from the very folks that several years ago, were waving their firearms around at vaccines and mask-wearing folk. Instead what we got was a bunch of “Atta boy, Elon”.

And yes, there is nothing wrong with people with physical limitations, being able to interact with the digital world by simply using their mind. As a mechanical engineer, I’m fascinated and it is quite an innovation. But if Neuralink can do such wonders, for those with physical limitations, with the digital world, then what is it capable of in the brains of those that are perfectly or highly functional. Most of all imagine this possibility in the borderless world of digital currency, all monitored and tracked, locally and globally by a Grok3 enhanced StarLink system and supercomputer. Still the writing is not clear, well that’s mighty fine.

A few years ago when the Twitter platform was sold to Musk, it was just in time for Halloween, and Musk posted a picture of himself wearing a certain costume on Halloween. Didn’t seem as much, but upon close inspection the costume featured a Baphomet goat head along with an inverted cross. Much to my surprise (or diminishing lack of) he was mostly greeted as “such a kidder”. Yes, folks were so happy for their free speech safespace (that they paid $8 month for certain privileges) that they were willing to look past the very thing that they’ve been screaming about for years (they once accused Obama of being the AC) and simply drift in their bliss. If one thing the Bible has always shown for those that actually read it is that the Devil is very good at deflection and misdirection, and he’s quite good at covering all bases. And sometimes he uses the very routes that most folks would least expect him to use, by simply exploiting things such as self-righteousness, pride and the delusion that you’re doing things “in the name of God”  and “God is on your side”. There is a misconception that the Devil can’t and won’t be able to infiltrate churches or houses of worship. Feel free to inquire how many members in churches in the Bible Belt are also high-ranking members of Lodges. And feel free to read up on the “behind the scenes” of Freemasonry, and when you’re done, still convince yourself about churches are “kryptonite” to the Devil.

Of course, this is all just theory. Happy trails. 

The Trad Wife movement farce

It has been a while since I have written any thing on this blog, and I reckon it is about time I did, heaven knows, there is a LOT out there to write about.

Trad Wives. This “movement” only happened on my radar several months ago. Yes, I am busy man, and I am a mechanical engineer that works in NYC, so for the most the latest “trends” on social media often goes by and I miss the train. And sometimes I just get to see it when it it’s passing by. Like this new wave of influencers.

So what is this Trad Wife phenom? Apparently, some women have taken to social media as they embrace the ghostly call of June Cleaver and all things 1950s concerning the roles of women. They are, in high-definition, recording themselves at home cleaning, making home cooked meals from scratch, and taking care of children whilst (of course) wearing 1950s styled aprons. It is assumed (and in some cases noted) that they are stay-at-home mothers. Women/wives in a traditional role with a husband that is the sole and primary bread winner. This bit of “nostalgia” has been gaining some new breath in conservative circles. I can say this, because having been former Republican (now Independent) I still have maintained relationship with many conservative circles. I am still conservative, in my (slightly tempered) views. Growing up in Texas and conservative, there was always the occasional talk about men and women roles, but I reckoned somewhere along the way, my family became a bit realistic. So, it was not an anomaly when many of the women in my family had careers (a few stuck to the traditional roles), or many of the males in my family (included yours truly) married women that were career-oriented. Apparently, it dawned on our patriarch that in today’s world, it doesn’t hurt to have a two-income situation as opposed to a one-income. Mighty fine thinking ahead. The problem with the Trad Wife influencers is that they are “portraying” a traditional role rather than actually living it. But, you may say, how can you say that they are “portraying” when they are indeed living the life?

Are they?

In real life, “trad wife” families are a basically ONE income families (since the husband is the primary and sole income earner). The problem with the “trad wife” online influencers is that their posting have followings, and followers lead to monetization and sponsorship of their content. Translation: while these women are creating content online that portray themselves as traditional stay-at-home mothers, many are EARNING income due to their online postings and influence which, in fact, makes them a TWO income family rather than the realistic ONE income family structure that they are “impressing” on average folks. Folks, whose combined income may not be even close to six figures, but are captivated by the highly-edited, high-definition, possibly staged world and the delusion that this bit of nostalgia is what they need in this life and this world. The truth is, unless your husband is dealing with six figures along with a spectacularly medical coverage package, the “trad wife” nostalgia is simply just that, a nice memory of the past where (of course, there were NONE of the financial complexities and turmoil of the current 21^st century) things were simpler and your bucks stretched longer and did better. Those days have passed. And therein, lies the fraud and farce that is the so called “Trad Wife movement”. It projects and appeals to a certain bit of sexist nostalgia of life as a one-income family, when in reality the “actors” portraying this glossy version of “traditional wives” are actually a two-income family (the “father figure” that works in real life, and the “mother figure/influencer” whose social media content is sponsored and monetized). Yes, just like how it was back in the 1950s (and yes, this is sarcasm). Sadly there are those that follow this farce, and actually believe that this is the way that things should return to. The problem is that many of the folks subscribing to highly edited, high-definition “theater” may not actually be financially capable of sustaining such a lifestyle in today’s world. In other words, that “trad wife movement” dog won’t hunt, and to subscribe to it, in real life, though financially incapable but simply for the sake of sexist bit of nostalgia is a fool’s game. So as “Trad Wife” media weaves its spell on male egos and female resignation, it is important to bear in mind that PT Barnum offered a valuable piece of wisdom about this: something concerning suckers being born every minute. Happy trails.

Suspended from Twitter, again: So much for the anti-conservative bias.

My Twitter account (@citizenzeero) has been suspended for the third time in two years. I’m not someone that engages in cyberbullying, doxxing or harassment. Snarky, cynical remarks? Maybe. Straight shootin’? I’m Texan (even though I’ve been living in NY for more than a decade). But in consideration of some of the crap that I’ve seen floating around on active accounts in Twitter, mine’s practically saint-like. Note I said “saint-like”.And what do I do on Twitter? Simply calling out GOP assholes that are saying and doing crap that is making the rest of the GOP seem like  … well … assholes. I can say this as someone that spent more than two decades of his adult life in the GOP simply because I felt that we were all about what was good for this great nation. More than four years ago, I had to learn a painful lesson: it was all a goshdarn lie.

The problem is that a lot of folks on right-wing mainstream media (yes, I said it) are selling this narrative about being censored and bounced from most social media platforms. Ah yes, this is a one from the GOP/GQP playbook: let’s make ourselves out as victims and spin the hell out of that narrative (despite the fact that we victimize by proxy). So the hissy fits being tossed around out there are mostly from GOP/Q folks that are pushing batshit conspiracies and alternative facts, and end up getting their butts handed to them for … well … promoting absolute shit on the internet.

Unfortunately, someone at Twitter did not get the memo on this.

You would think that a person simply countering conspiracy bunk and batshit facts without having to harass, insult or cyberbully people would be a welcome thing on social networks. Apparently not. As someone that not only served in the military but is also a combat veteran, I take it to heart when I hear folks skewering the facts just so to make themselves appear right, and (worst of all) patriotic. So when a fraud like Trump, who bought deferments (5X) from drafts during the Vietnam war, starts talking hogwash about those that actually served … and is still being view as a potential nominee for the 2024 election, that is worrisome and an indictment of the sanity of what used to be the Republican party. And despite his ban from Twitter, there is probably a faction at Twitter that has a soft spot for this wannabe despot. But, they say, I can make it all go away if I supply Twitter with my mobile phone number to “verify” my account. I’ve done this tango before with Twitter under a different account and being the good citizen I gave them my phone number. Strange enough, I started getting spammed and strange phone calls at weird times in the night and early morning. Sounds to me like Twitter has got someone on the inside that has a secret agenda. I trusted them with my phone number and that’s what happened. Of course, when I changed my phone number, the harassing and spam calls just simply “disappeared”. Didn’t take much to put two and two together. So now with a different account, Twitter is back with the games again. Not gonna happen this time. Last thing I need is some Proud Boy or 1/6 nutcase showing at my residence only to get extra holes added to their bodies and leaving me with a ton of paperwork and legalities to deal with. No thank you.

So my answer to Twitter about handing over my phone number for the privilege of “tweeting”: a resounding NO. I’ve managed to get my point across for more than two decades without Twitter. My censoring on Twitter is not the end of the world. So unlike the past where my account has been reinstated, it seems like Twitter is pulling the long game on this one. Congrats Twitter, you’ve won. Unfortunately, there are other outlets out there (and I’m not talking about that Trumper circle jerk called “Truth” Social), so I still get my say. It was (honestly) good while it lasted. Happy trails, buddy.

And to the folks at FOX, OAN, NewsMax, Breibart et al: maybe if you stop pushing lies, batshit theories and creating dog whistles that encourage real-world violence, maybe social media won’t be so hard on you. For crying out loud, I don’t even support a tenth of the crap that you support and I still manage to get my account suspended. So yes, you are all farces and you’ll destroy my (former) GOP before 2024. I won’t count on 2022 either.

This Is Not Your Father’s GOP

For more than 25 years of my adult life, I’ve lived as (registered) Republican. For the fact that we stood for our nation and our values weren’t exactly that different from my (Christian) faith. Or so it seemed. In 2016, a shift happened with the RNC overlooking so many more qualified candidates and decided to nominate a reality-TV celebrity who promised to change Washington politics (for the better). And also the famous dog whistle of “making America great again”. Almost four years later, you can almost hear Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten sneering into our ears: “Don’t you feel cheated now?”. Actually the term “betrayal” is better suited as we contend with over 200 thousand (needless) deaths attributed to a badly managed pandemic crisis. The problem with dictators, tyrants or just really terrible rulers, is not the persons themselves but the army of willing enablers (or those using the old Nuremberg excuse of “just following orders”) that stand idly by and allow foolishness to happen.

Several years ago I was on Twitter, for which as of lately has morphed into a digital cesspool of humanity, and I came across a photograph of two elderly gentlemen standing around in some sort of a rally. What was significant about this photograph was that one of these “gentlemen” wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words ( I wish I made this up): “I’d rather be Russian, than a Democrat”. To be clear, this gentleman has stated in very simple terms that it is preferable to be the member of a Communist country than to be an American of different political stripe. The really bad news is, prior to COVID-19 lockdowns, during my travels across the country and talking with folks of a “certain demographic” there are a lot of folks that hold such sentiments. A great lot. Something about being white, Texan and a combat veteran that seemingly serves as some strange form of social truth serum that makes folks admit this kind of crap to me. I remember being a teen in the 80s when we were dealing with this thing called the Cold War. Please tell me that you remember that? When all things Russian were frowned upon and had these two elderly man walked through certain neighborhoods or counties wearing that T-shirt, back then, you’d hope that their health insurance or will were up to date. How times change.

I arrived in New York way after 9/11 but most of us remembered that day. Though it was an attack on the city, the entire country felt attacked and we all (at least most of us) vowed that we’d never forget this. Several years ago, when the madman of North Korea was testing out his long range rockets (claiming that they were able to reach the west coast) several folks on Twitter (with Republican profiles) not only lauded the effort but “wished” that they would hit Seattle. Yes, a group of people claiming to be hardcore patriots publicly wished for an attack from a foreign government on American soil. The reason: differing political ideology. I do recall a time when we as a nation had our disagreements among us but we drew the line on condoning attacks by foreign powers on our fellow Americans. It still strikes me with a bit of twisted humor to see folks walking and driving around with decals that proclaim “9/11 Never Forget” but secretly wishing the demise of certain citizens at the hands of foreign entities. Sadly, we’ve forgotten.

One of the things we (Republicans) have always prided ourselves about was our respect and adherence of the law. Even Trump stood on the stage during his 2016 campaign, and bellowed ob about “law and order”, it was hard to not notice the Cheshire cat smiles that emanated from the attending , “adoring” crowd. Earlier this year, when lockdowns were initiated all that talk about “Blue Lives Matters” and “Back The Blue” meant absolutely bupkus when folks in Michigan showed up on the capitol steps armed to the teeth to intimidate the very law that they claim to support. So it is okay to support the “law” when they kill sleeping, non-white, EMT workers with impunity but the “support” ends when access to haircuts, tattoo parlors, drink holes or dines are(temporarily) imperiled. Earlier this year, when brought on impeachment charges, subpoenas were not taken seriously and the president, claiming innocence, choose not to ever show up in court but offered instead to answer any inquiries in WRITTEN format. I can’t ever imagine being subpoenaed to appear in court, refusing to do so and not having it end well for me. But this is coming from the very person that stood on a stage, several years ago, and bellowed a lot about “law and order” (and apparently is still talking about it). I don’t like Clinton (Bill) since he left a stain (literally) on his presidency, BUT at least he showed up for his impeachment trial and answered questions (some suspiciously untruthful). And I have to admit that the country was no where resembling what we have now.In the early years of the Obama presidency, word came about that he had read a book by Chinese Communist Mao. And based on that minor detail, a lot of extreme right-wingers went over the edge, such as a video of one dramatic woman channeling her inner Chicken Little as she screamed about a “socialist in the White House”. Despite the fact that I did not vote for the man (twice) I had to admit that it was a bit of theater and a bit too much. Really. So now we’re dealing with possible manipulation of an electoral system by Russia as the leader cavorts with Putin like good college pals. And our socialist/communist warning Chicken Littles are strangely silent on this. Actually, they are supporting the president so much that they’ve taken a cue out of his “playbook” and created a bit of misdirection (well, at least trying) by accusing the other side of being “socialists”. Even attempts to bring the truth to light has been thwarted by public “servants” who have chosen to put party politics before country and Constitution … and then have the audacity to claim vindication (from a trial that never quite happened).

Christian values. Or at least, that’s what many of us, conservatives, claim to have: compassion, humility, sharing, forgiveness, against sexual infidelity, promiscuity and depravity. Strangely how many church-attending, Bible-reading (or so they claim) conservatives stand in solid support of a “Christian” candidate who has defied basically most things Christian and offers nothing more than lip service and empty gestures (posing with an improperly held Bible for a photo-op, after brutalizing a bunch of peaceful protesters). Even worse, many “good” conservative Christians have gone out of their way to compromise their character as they make excuses or redirections (highlighting the misdeeds of folks from the “other side”). Of course, we spare little in our verbal dissertations as we address the misdeeds of Democrats and liberals as we dare to use catch words such as “accountability”. We stand on the brink poised to not only destroy whatever decency we have left but to bring irreparable damage to wonderful system of faith with willful complicitness. And all this for some poser that does not respect or appreciate something many live (not just read or talk about), and like so much that he has touched, WILL be discarded when it no longer serves his purpose.

Give me death or give me liberty. Don’t tread on me. Molon Labe (Come and take it). These are some of the samplings of T-shirts and signs you will see on occasion at conservative rallies.The common theme : we don’t like and won’t stand for any form of tyranny. Or so we tell ourselves. The funny thing is that as our Constitution is being circumvented and various institutions are being methodically handicapped (such as the USPS), in order to rig and manipulate our democratic process, the wearers and bearers of these signs stand with locked arms in support of the very viciousness they claim to be against. Yes, an overhaul (and defunding) of our mailing system, several months before a major election, especially when it seems that many may use the mail as an option to vote (especially during a pandemic), is indeed highly suspicious. And it is textbook tyranny in attempt to control the voting process. Banana republics are probably getting a decent chuckle or two right now. I came across an account n Twitter that had the moniker “mailbox remover” in their Twitter handle. And not surprisingly, the person claims to be in support of “Trump 2020”. It’s just little bit of tyranny to help us win an election … that’s all. We are beyond slippery slopes.

The Faustian deal that my (former) GOP bought into asks a greater price for what it promises to offer (which was based on a very deceptive narrative). Four more years of this monstrosity promises to leave this country in tatters and the Grand Ole Party on the wrong side of history. Not as the protectors of the Constitution, but the destroyers of it. Along with this beacon of the world known as America. And our Christian faith. Yes Virginia, this is no longer your father’s GOP.

This (Not-So) Subtle Art of Propaganda: Anti-Maskers

Believe it or not, I use Facebook. To keep in contact with family members and several of my old service buddies. I don’t, however, use it as a source of news and this admission may shock most coming from a conservative. Let’s face it, it’s Facebook (do I need to say more). The sad news is that millions (with a capital M) use Facebook as one of their MAIN news sources. Caveat emptor. So yes, because of my past association with all things conservative and Republican (no longer GOP but Independent) I get a lot right-wing things tossed on to many of my threads. The latest one is a video with a caption that has a bit of dramatic flair: “Watch this before it is censored on Facebook, because it tells the truth”. Right. A glaring red flag that this is coming from some right-wing outlet. Why? Simple. Which group, as of lately, has been accusing social media platforms of “censoring” them? Be honest with your answer and there is your clue to the origins of this “message”. But I try to maintain an open mind of things and proceeded to watch it anyway.

For dramatic effect, it is shot in black and white with a ¾ profile of gentleman wearing a cap with the word ICON on it. The gentleman is non-white (possibly a biracial Afro-American or Hispanic). Think for a second. A non-white speaker wearing a cap with a neutral word “ICON” instead of coiled snakes, Spartans or Punisher logos. Any initial feelings about the origins will start to dissipate since this doesn’t seem like your typical right-winger screed … maybe the caption was just being on the level. Maybe.

He starts off about the “corporatization of America” and it is a good start, since most people would agree about the reach of corporate America and its influence in everything. Then when you’re drawn into the yarn,as it gets interesting, he talks about social distancing being established in order to make facial recognition systems to work efficiently. As an engineer myself, that caught my attention and the red flags started a-fluttering again. The funny thing about that is facial recognition systems have been fine tuning themselves way before this pandemic (since 2013) and they really don’t need social distancing to “fine tune” it. Absolute bullshit. He then proceeds to blame the lockdowns for destroying many small businesses without mentioning the fact that billions were used to bail out big companies (some on the verge of closing) and very little was given to the small businesses. Sounds familiar. Then came the comparison of 1.5 million people dying from tuberculosis  last year and the “mainstream media” not saying anything about this “pandemic”. He never mentions that unlike Covid-19, tuberculosis can be treated and vaccinated against. Another thing, a clever propagandist would have used the neutral term of “the media” but being creatures of habit sometimes get the best of us. By the way, which group simply adores the term “mainstream media” despite the fact that Fox News is also very mainstream, but is excluded due exclusion-selective logic that is rampant amongst conservatives? Even more was a great argument that he tossed out about folks talking about caring for life whilst being fine with many abortions that are carried out yearly in this country. It is a valid point, but what he bypasses (in his pro-life argument) is the lack of decent, nationwide gun laws that would prevent further mass killings. Hmm, attacking abortion but not mentioning anything about the gun madness? Again, where have we heard or seen this before.

He further mentions that many of the homeless have survived this pandemic (another popular argument that is popular amongst pro-Trump, anti-masking conservatives on social media). The problem with this assertion is that unless this gentleman and his ilk are social workers keeping track of the homeless population, this nothing more than a baseless claim, but yet it is featured in the video.

Even more amazing is watching this speaker/actor try to give the appearance of just having a “typical conversation” as he condescendingly scolds society for its “stupidity”. This bit of theater would have been considered hilarious had this not been a time of crisis and need for helpful, trustworthy information.

Watched for the first time, it can be quite convincing especially for knee-jerk reactionists. Sometimes you need to watch something more than once (twice, in my case) to see its true nature. Now some folks may be furious about me, a conservative, dissecting another conservative piece. Some of us, to be honest, don’t like our values and beliefs, hijacked and manipulated in the most vile ways possible. And as someone that served and fought for this country, my oath to protect this country from enemies foreign and domestic, did not expire with my retirement from the military. So even when you are patting me on the back as a “fellow” conservative and same time publishing crap that endanger the lives of fellow citizens, I have a MAJOR problem with that. So when I see foolishness, I will certainly address it and call it for what it is. And that is why, I don’t get my news from Facebook (via QAnon/Blexit/Breibart/other useless frauds).

Fringe Evangelism: The Betrayal of Christianity and America

There is a saying my late grandfather used to say: “be careful of who you put on a pedestal for they are bound to disappoint you”. Even the Good Book (the Holy Bible) have warned us on countless occasions about making substitutions for God (Luke 16:13 … you can’t serve two masters, you would either hate one or love the other; you cannot serve God and mammon).

First it was the mockery of a disabled reporter, and then came the insult on American POWs, that as combat veteran, did not ring too well with me and in my mind his campaign was dead on arrival (DOA). Unfortunately, fate (and maybe a few foreign actors) had different plans. Despite his un-Christian baggage, what surprised me most of all was to watch evangelical ministers come forward and toss their support behind such an immensely flawed (both morally and socially) candidate. And all it took to buy that support was simply Trump claiming to be a Christian who “loves” the Bible (which he couldn’t even quote properly … the Two Corinthians incident). Oh there was also the false, delusional narrative of returning America to a utopic time (that never quite existed) for a certain demographic. There was even a theory about folks thinking that he’ll instigate or “activate” the end times, where the Great Tribulation will happen and the Second coming will finally make its way to Earth. More on that later. I promise.

One cannot serve two masters. You’ll either hate one and love the other, but you can’t serve two masters.You cannot serve God and mammon. This paraphrase from the Bible (Luke 16:13), the very book that our “leader” claims to read, and pretty much throughout the Bible this point is reinforced in more ways than one. In other words you can’t be caring about the things of the world and the things of God. But, some “wise folks” may want to interject, what about folks like the late Reverend Martin Luther King and his social activism? There is a difference between being inspired by the word of God to seek positive changes in the world around you … and using your pulpit in support of a specific candidate or party … right or wrong. Thankfully, many churches have grasped this concept and take a neutral stance in endorsing political candidates. There have been occasions where congregations have taken a stance against blatant wrongs even though the politicians involved were popular. In other words, any congregation that truly reads and study the Bible will have the spiritual conviction to speak and/or act against any form of blatant evil or wrong that is happening in their midst. The harsh reality is, that this may mean going against the status quo and against those in power (popular or not). This is not a new concept, since earlier Christians can attest to executions, ostracism, and even thrown to wild animals … for entertainment. These are some of the dire consequences (to name a few) that some of these brave souls endured for acting (and not just talking) on their faith and beliefs.
Flash forward many centuries and into the early twenty-first century. When a major Christian magazine wrote a scathing editorial that rebuked Trump, most of their impassioned critics were, sadly, prominent religious leaders. So much for standing for what you believe in. On our currency and various American icons the words “In God we Trust” aren’t just words or grand standing, but it is heartfelt by many. So when Ann Coulter came out with a book that was gleefully entitled, “In Trump we trust”, that got my attention and not in a good way. One would have thought that many of the “God-fearing” conservatives, such as myself, would have (at least) had a bout of uneasiness about a title like that. Nothing happened. And it rolled on. Like tumbleweeds in the desert.

Several years ago, a week or two after the Charlottesville incident, I tuned into the Hagee Ministries on Sunday morning. The Rev. Hagee started the service with a touching song about “Peace in the valley” and then not more than five minutes after singing such a touching song, launched a verbal attack on the protesters (many were white) and defended Trump’s subtle support of white supremacist elements. So much for spiritual convictions and standing up for what is right. Almost half a year ago, I tuned into the “Reverend” Hagee Ministry show, after a long time, and first thing I saw (not that I could avoid it) was a gentleman standing on stage with the words “Border Control” being projected on the wall behind him. Needless to say, I did not bother to watch another minute of this farce. Some churches have, willingly, become indoctrination centers, where the gospel of Trump is being preached (his name is being mentioned more than Jesus or God) that is probably amusing a bunch of re-education camps in Pyongyang. There is even that regurgitated and circulated parable of Trump (the one where he fixed some guy’s tire and gave him ten thousand dollars). Even worse, the cadre of churches leading this “crusade” aren’t exactly unknown backwater churches (even though there might be a few) but very prominent names: prosperity preachers (mostly in their favor) such as Paula White, Jerry Falwell Jr., Copeland and the list goes on. At the onset of the COVID-19 shutdowns, a wide-eyed Copeland was featured on a video “demanding” that folks still have to send in their tithes. The funny thing about tithing is that it was not something that was established (through most of the Old Testament) to allow pastors to buy Gulfstreams and make up BS reasons (such as liking commercial travel to traveling with “demons”) for their material indulgence, but to actually help their congregation in times of need. It is funny that these “pastors” can afford Gulfstreams, mansions and donate millions (with a capital M) to questionable political candidates … but somehow can’t help out the folks in their congregation because “God will provide”. Yes, He is moving you to write a check which you are refusing to do. In an old interview with the late Jerry Falwell, he had a rather disturbing way of dealing with congregation members that sought financial help from him: he would put an offering plate before them and ask how much do they give to the Lord. I really wish I was making that up.
So there it is, during the Trump administration, many churches have unwittingly (or willingly) replaced the gospel of Christ (that teaches compassion, forgiveness, loving your fellow man, sharing your prosperity, humility) with the god of capitalism and gospel of Trump (vengeance, wrath, hatred, bullying, malice, greed, racism). Several years ago, a church in Pennsylvania, in response to the mass shootings with assault-type and call for regulation of such, decided to have some members show up in a strange procession, dressed in white with floral crowns and toting AR-15s … during a service. The image was hair-raising and screamed “paganism” not to mention the blatant idolatry displayed. Many churches have even coaxed their congregation into believing that our president is “God-favored” as they ignore the Bible’s warning of those claiming to be Christ’s but denying the power thereof (blatant abuse of power, misogyny, infidelity, arrogance, greed).
And about the End Time Christians. Yes, I did promise. There is that feeling that he (Trump) will be the instrument that will set the events in motion to bring about the second coming of Christ. Noticeably, there are levels of arrogance that are so astounding. Firstly, it is the assumption in their own self-righteousness that in the event of the Second Coming they’ll all be ushered through the pearly gates. They, somehow, forgot the parable of the penitent sinner and the self-righteous scholar. Spoiler alert: it did not go down so well for the self-righteous guy in the afterlife for he was found lacking. Secondly, it is the foolish assumption that some folks feel that they can move God’s hand to “speed up the timetable”. Any decent reader of the Bible or church-goer will tell you that God’s timetable and man’s timetable are two vastly, different things. Simply because God knows us as human beings and our ulterior motives (which most of the times does NOT have Him in mind).
So an attempt to “speed things up” by hedging your bets on some (very and in epic proportions) flawed individual, only adds to unnecessary suffering and catastrophes. The key word is “unnecessary”. And some folks, I hate to say, will find out (the hard way) that they weren’t even close to those pearly gates as they thought they were, and sadly, many folks had to suffer needlessly for this.
So as the year 2020, seems to progress like scene in the story of Moses and plagues of Egypt, we are surrounded with a lot of loss and suffering. The good news, true Christianity is still alive and well, as people stand up, from both pulpit and congregation, against the evils and wrongs that threaten to infect America. The sad news is that fringe (so-called) Christianity have found it profitable to betray its faith and America, for thirty pieces of silver (or more). Many prominent voices in this strange “crusade” have chosen to switch on Airplane Mode on their spiritual convictions and not stand for what’s right. May God have mercy on us all. I really mean that.

Pro-lifers vs. Anti-abortionists: Some Straight Shootin’

For nearly a quarter century living as a (registered) Republican, I’ve always proudly defined myself as pro-life as do many conservatives. Sadly, it had to take an election (2016) to force me to come to terms with some vicious realities such as what the GOP really stood for (among other things).

Pro-life. That is quite a label with big implications and a very broad brush, because to be “pro-life” is to be supportive of life not only in its beginning stages but beyond. This also means to be in support of political and social infrastructures that support life beyond the womb. The sad truth is that a lot of us, conservatives, strut around with that pro-life badge and then, with our mouth and actions, proceed to contradict ourselves. In the last three and half years, during what has turned out to be a disastrous presidency, there was an abnormal amount of mass shootings done with high-capacity, assault-type weapons. Yet despite the loss of life, many of my fellow conservatives have fought, tooth and nail, any form of regulation (not removing but better checks) aimed at these weapons. The separation and detainment of children at the border is bound to have some serious psychological effects on these children further on in their lives. Yet again, in the name of border “security” many of us conservatives won’t bat an eyelid on this. It is not, by any means, astonishing to note that many conservatives that are “pro-life” are big fans of the death penalty. If you fail to recognize the blaring contradiction in that sentence, then I fear that I am just whistling Dixie. Don’t get me wrong on the fact criminals that engage in vicious acts against citizens deserve a fitting punishment. In 2020, there have many documented examples of the justice is parsed out based on race showing up on the internet and these are not hearsays, but revealed in past snippets from various news outlets. Let’s just say that our Afro-American population have been treated worse than most animals on the way to an abattoir and in the case of non-white perpetrators (whose cases are big question mark to this day) the use of the death penalty begs for a bit more preponderance. Earlier this year, I watched grown, (seemingly) intelligent and God-fearing people, offer up our vulnerable, elderly population to the god of capitalism. This included politicians from my home state Texas.

The terrifying truth is that a group that prides itself on the sanctity of life (“pro-life”) we seemingly, through our support political groups and parties that enable (and embolden) the destruction (anti-gun regulation), traumatization (the border situation), and irrational, unnecessary sacrifice (euthanizing our elderly for the sake of the “economy”) of life. It is grandstanding at its best. When it is nothing more than a thinly veiled farce and fraud, designed to give people the delusion of decency, civility and moral uprightness. Hate to break it to break it to some individuals out there but “life” doesn’t begin in the womb and ends the moment it breaches, outward, the vagina. No life goes on after that umbilical cord is cut and to say that you are “pro-life” means to support the sustaining of that life in every stage of living beyond birth. Yes, even when it means that your “tax dollars” are going to support life that you did not make or know. If your “pro-life” saber-rattling somehow can’t seem to extend beyond the delivery room, then feel free to take off your “pro-life” badge and toss it in the flames of harsh reality. Now step back and take look in the mirror. Congratulations, you’ve been lying to yourself for some time and you are merely an anti-abortionist.

Dear Democrats …

I write this to you as former (white) member of the (hijacked) GOP party. Though I doubt it’ll ever be read by anyone, I’ll give it a shot. It may come across critical and harsh, but I really mean it in good faith and though some “folks” see you as other you still remain my fellow countrymen/women. Regardless who sits in the White House, we all tend to share the same boat as Americans.
So here goes (the harshness) …
Having been to many rallies in the past and serving in the military (during peacetime and conflict), it is very clear to me that the way both parties run campaigns are very different. Democrats run presidential campaigns. Republicans run battle strategies. If you don’t believe me feel free to review the 2016 election and look at the psychological operations (psy-ops) that was used via social media to wittle away the opposition. I’m not going to even mention the obvious elephant in the room: foreign actors and cyber intrusions. Still think it is just good old-fashioned, suspender-tugging, campaigning. Feel free to think so at your own political peril. Which brings me to the next bit of harsh reality: you’re going to have to learn to fit dirty. Nothing wrong with taking the high ground … provided that you’ve secured the throne and the keys to the kingdom. But until then … you’ll have to roll up your sleeves (and like the character in The Shawshank Redemption) and wade through some serious sewage before you can emerge clean. Good news is that you can still be factual whilst playing dirty. It is when you start inventing stuff about people that never happened or existed that really makes you look vile (birthers, climate change and holocaust deniers, et al … take note). So yes … welcome to the world of politics and you’ll have to play dirty.
Secondly, I know this is basic knowledge … Politics 101 … but you have to keep your finger on the pulse of the people you are serving (which is everyone that lives in this great nation). Transgender issues and reparations and equality for all are noble goals (for when you have the throne and the keys to the kingdom), but that ain’t the pulse of the people. For the most, on common ground, most people are concerned about: terrorism/national security, job security, medical coverage, economy, and the effects of illegal immigration on their state (which sadly can’t be simply cured by erecting some structure that is devoid of any form of technology). In 2016, the Republican party serenaded America on these issues, whilst Democrats drifted off with lofty and dreamy (in some cases controversial) pet projects that basically screamed that some folks that claimed to be in touch with the common folk were clearly not. Hate to say it, but the private email servers was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back not the deal breaker contrary to popular belief. And sure enough many fell for that siren’s song though many of us are realizing (especially after last tax day) that all that talk about working folks was merely just that … talk. So there it is: KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid. And keep the other fancy stuff when you’re sitting in the House. Jobs, national security, economy, immigration. That’s it. Anything else is whistling Dixie.
Thirdly. Unity. These days that is a hard concept across the border. The problem with the Democratic party is that they are so caught up in their own self-righteousness and riding that high horse that they are willing to destroy seats and chances … all in the name of “staying high while others go low”. In other words when it comes to the minutest infractions the Democratic party waste little time in casting stones … against their own. On the other hand if an immensely flawed character presents the possibility of a win in any form to the GOP, that person’s sins are washed away and the party becomes united behind that candidate. Case and point: when Al Franken was photographed groping a woman inappropriately, despite apologizing, he was pretty much shoved out by key Dems (with a bit of nudging from the members of the GOP). When Roy Moore was accused of SERIAL inappropriate behavior, whilst the Dems (and few GOP members) called for his resignation, many in the GOP still fought to defend his re-election bid and Mr. Moore is yet to admit any wrong doing. Yes, they both eventually resigned, but as we speak Moore is yet talking about another Senate run … and there are GOP members supporting it. Can’t say the same about Franken, who has seemingly (and sadly) staying away from politics. I once overheard someone say this: the Democrats take the high ground whilst the Republicans take the country. So as I watch bits and pieces of the Democrat debate, the question most of these folks have to be willing to ask themselves is how much is that “high ground” worth even if it means destroying the candidates that might give the Democrats a fighting chance. Yes, wrong is wrong, but is it worth destroying a potential candidate based on a blot in their lives whilst the other side resoundingly defends theirs that are filled with gruesome splatters?

Fourth. There is a saying one of my co-workers (from the Caribbean) usually says when dealing with critics and naysayers: “ignore the asses while they bray”. It started with folks picking on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and now what they are calling The Squad (four outspoken women of color) for things they’ve said or even done in the past (like bartending). I’ll be honest there is a LOT of things I don’t agree on with Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, but it is refreshing to see someone fight for something that they think might be helpful for the working class instead of being a shill for some lobbyists that don’ t exactly have the working class folks in mind. Sure it may not be great ideas, but at least someone is trying whereas the critics are simply just going along with the status quo. To quote Seinfeld: yadda, yadda, yadda. (BTW, most folks that aren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouth, have to seek other means to earn a living … such as bartending … instead of using insider information to make yourselves multi-millionaires.) The problem with Democrats is that when the other side sling dirt, they spend too much time focusing on the mudslingers and how wrong they are. Stop that. Believe it or not it is strategy … sort of like how winning team with a razor thin winning score would not worry about scoring points but rather play the clock until the game ends. A stalling tactic. If the other side can get you to keep griping about their racist insults and troll-ish behavior, and you get nothing done, time flies and before you know it, it is time for another re-election … and you’ve gotten nothing done. And folks tend to remember little insignificant stuff like that at the voting polls. Use of insulting, subtly-racist language is a tool of certain “folks” in Washington. Certain folks spend copious amounts of time trying to figure out how to piss people off. The question is how much of this will you let affect your job? Nothing wrong with addressing it … for a week or two. And then move on. There are things need fixing in this country, refocus on that. Sure the other side will keep up the name-calling, but you keep on working to fix problems. In the long run, some folks will come around and remember when the other side were calling you names and making ridiculous assertions about you, you dusted yourself off and went about working for the people that voted you in. Believe me, that will speak volumes in the long run. Don’t be baited into a stalling tactic. There are times when you have to return fire. There are times when you have lay down some suppression fire. And there are times when you need to conserve your ammo and realize even though there is gunfire it is just a case of folks firing wildly in the dark hoping that they’d hit a target (the good ole Golden BB). And while you’re in the process of getting things done … do refrain from saying controversial crap. Really. So in short defend yourself when you are attacked, just don’t spend your entire term doing that … and remember those that voted you in to defend them.
I am now Independent, but you are still my fellow countrymen/women. It is easy to get on the bandwagon (or as they call it now the Trump train) and join in the insults. The sad thing is I’ve been doing this for 23 years of my life when I thought I was part of a group of people that had morals and virtues. Funny that it had to take an election to wake me the hell up. And even thought this was directed to Democrats this really to any politician that truly gives a damn about this country.

Government shutdown and vanity wall: legalized extortion

The weekend before Christmas, POTUS triggered a government shutdown … over a wall. It is to be noted that this “esteemed” individual has said that they are “proud” to shutdown the government if they don’t get funding for an ineffective structure that’s going to cost (according to POTUS) five (5) billion dollars. That is billions with a capital B. If course, what is not mentioned is what is going to be poured into this monstrosity over the years in terms of maintenance. After all, this is a structure that is going to be subject to environment stresses, thermal wear and tear, and yes … the weather. Translation: this is not a case of build and forget it … but how to maintain it. When Chuck Schumer insisted that border security can instituted for less using technology rather building some structure, I found myself doing something I never thought I’d ever do: agreeing …FULL-HEARTEDLY… with a Democrat politician. Sure the Democrats are being trolled as open-border-free-for-all proponents … if you’re willing to believe the dribble that’s coming from Fox, One America and other such right-wing “think” tanks. Yes, I’ll admit that for more than two decades of my life I fed on this nonsense. Over the last few years, I could hear Johnny Rotten’s (Sex Pistols) voice in my head with that famous line: “Ever get the feeling that you’ve been cheated?”.
Border crossings (on Mexico side) are “controlled” by cartels. Cartels that have deep pockets that can fund everything from tunneling to demolition … you know the kind of stuff that would be security briefings that a certain dunce refuses to read or attend. Walls can be tunneled under, climbed over or simply demolished (and yes, the cartels have proven that they have cojones to so … fearlessly). Put something in plain view and people will find way to get around it or simply get it out of the way. But what about that which you can’t see? For a fraction of what POTUS is asking for his “vanity project” an investment can be made into technology that can make a more efficient “electronic” wall. And this is not sci-fi fantasy talk here, since the technology already exists. Seismic sensors (note: anti-tunneling), thermal sensors and cameras, drone and radar technology, facial recognition systems, low orbit satellite technology and early warning systems … all networked, makes a real-time, EFFECTIVE, tracking system that would not only take the guess work out of interception but protect the men and women that put their lives on the line protecting our borders. This stuff can be surgical … and hidden. And not so easy to defeat.
All the talk about border security is simply … all talk. There is no seriousness here. The shutdown is simply about punishing working people just so some fool can get his way and then brag to his base about how he kept a “promise” (at the tune of $5 billion dollars, BTW). To yield to this foolishness, will be a signal, to those that are complicit, that American workers can be used as a bargaining pawns to push bully-agendas. So much for “working for the people”. As we swim in a sea of technology, some dunce prefers to use a stupid wall that would supposedly make people just turn away. Right. Remember the Berlin Wall? It was mined and had machine-gun towers and it still didn’t stop people from trying to cross the border. But some believe that just putting up wall is going to make a bunch of folks just pack up and turn back simply because some delusional moron says so.
Five billion dollars is a lot of money. To be more precise, in the right hands it will most likely shore up a lot of bottom lines. Sort of makes you wonder what is really behind this government shutdown. Is it really border security or merely ego and a hint of greed? Maybe some attention should be paid to the “contractors” that are lining up, with outstretched and upturned palms, for billions of public dollars. Yes, we NEED border security, but this country is filled with talented minds and technology to create a more stealthy AND effective infrastructure that can track, contain and intercept those that trespass on US soil. Something more effective than what would amount to nothing more than a memorial to someone’s ego rather than an actual tool for security.

Here we go again: blocked on Twitter … again.

Several months ago, I mentioned that I was blocked on Twitter … and then afterwards my account was reinstated as Twitter claimed that I was one of those unfortunate accounts that got caught up in some purging scheme that was targeting “spam accounts”. I appreciated being back on Twitter, but their apology was taken with a pinch of salt. Keep in mind I don’t threaten, harass, stalk, bully, insult or even post doxxed information about people. What is it that I do? I am white, Army veteran that has seen combat in Iraq/Kuwait and Somalia, that was a former Republican (for 23 years of my life) turned Independent voter that has come to grips with certain realities and is forced to speak TRUTHFULLY about it. Sadly, this means speaking against my former GOP/Republican party (or the fraudulent ship of cowards that passes for it). It is apparent that Twitter is either secretly pro-Trump or at least is infiltrated by folks that are, because I find interesting that within ONE year my account has been shut down under the claim of “suspicious activity” and a phone number is being demanded from me to reactivate it. As I’ve said before in my earlier post, I’m very wary about giving out my phone number to some social media platform. I did in the past, and it resulted in ton of spam calls and in some cases threatening phone calls (which gave me a chuckle considering my military background and I do practice my 2nd Amendment rights despite living in NY). Did I mention this occurred prior to me leaving the GOP and speaking against the Emperor (that seems to get a lot of protection from Twitter as he insults, harasses and bully anyone that would dare fire up their brain cells and think for themselves … and don’t speak in a way that favors him)? So now we’re back at that old familiar impasse with Twitter: give us your phone number or else? So I’ve settled for “or else” since I refuse to hand over my phone number that is most likely to be handed over to some trolling party. Nice try, Twitter. I’ve managed to voice my thoughts for years without you, I think I’ll do fine if my dear account is not activated … ever. And no, I have no intentions going through the process of creating new accounts under different aliases and other nonsense like that. So feel free to play your censoring games. My time, as a mechanical engineer, is better spent and needed elsewhere. Your turn, Twitter … and I’ll wait … as engage my time in other things.