Sunday, May 21, 2023

Russian Agents in the United States Impersonating Whisleblowers

 Article about the Russian assets who are impersonating whistleblowers


The U.S. government has recently launched a new program to reward whistleblowers who provide information about the hidden assets and proceeds of Russian oligarchs and officials who are involved in corruption and sanctioned by the U.S. and other countries. The program, called the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Program, aims to identify and freeze the assets of Russian elites and their family members, such as commercial real estate, luxury apartments, yachts, money and other ill-gotten gains. The program also targets assets related to bribes paid by Brazilian companies and corruption involving Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund.


The program is part of the U.S. efforts to put pressure on Putin and his supporters to stop their aggression against Ukraine and respect human rights and democracy. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on 28 Russian oligarchs and officials who are among the top priorities for the U.S., ranging from Aleksandr Babakov to Viktor Zolotov. These individuals are accused of being involved in various crimes, such as human rights abuses, election interference, cyberattacks, money laundering and supporting the Assad regime in Syria.


However, some of these Russian oligarchs and officials have tried to evade the sanctions and hide their assets by using various schemes and intermediaries. One of these schemes is to impersonate whistleblowers and provide false or misleading information to the U.S. authorities or media outlets. These fake whistleblowers claim to have insider knowledge or evidence of corruption or wrongdoing by other Russian elites or entities, but in reality they are trying to divert attention from their own activities or implicate their rivals or enemies.


For example, in 2022, a man claiming to be a former employee of Gazprombank, a Russian state-owned bank that is under U.S. sanctions, contacted a U.S. law firm that represents whistleblowers and offered to provide information about the bank's involvement in money laundering and sanctions evasion. The man said he had documents and recordings that proved the bank's illegal transactions with Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Syria. However, after further investigation, it turned out that the man was actually a Russian asset who was trying to discredit Gazprombank and its executives, who were seen as loyal to Putin.


Another example is a woman who claimed to be a former employee of Rosneft, a Russian state-owned oil company that is also under U.S. sanctions. The woman contacted a U.S. journalist and said she had evidence of Rosneft's corruption and ties to organized crime. She said she had documents and photos that showed how Rosneft's CEO Igor Sechin was receiving kickbacks from contractors and suppliers, as well as how he was using Rosneft's funds to buy luxury properties and art works around the world. However, after further investigation, it turned out that the woman was actually a Russian asset who was trying to smear Sechin and Rosneft, who were seen as competitors or enemies by other Russian oligarchs.


These cases show how some Russian oligarchs and officials are using fake whistleblowers as a tool to protect their assets and interests from U.S. sanctions and investigations. They also show how difficult it is for the U.S. authorities and media outlets to verify the credibility and authenticity of whistleblowers who come forward with information about Russian corruption and sanctions evasion. Therefore, the U.S. government has established the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Program to encourage genuine whistleblowers who have reliable information about the hidden assets and proceeds of Russian oligarchs and officials to come forward and help recover them for the benefit of the victims of corruption.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

UFO's in 2022

 If you are interested in UFOs, you might have noticed that 2022 was a busy year for sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). According to a recent report by the Pentagon's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which investigates potential UAPs, there were 366 reports of UAPs in 2022, compared to 144 reports in the previous 17 years.


Of course, not all UAPs are extraterrestrial in origin. In fact, the AARO was able to explain more than half of the 2022 reports as being related to common activities, such as balloons, drones, or clutter. However, there were still some cases that remained unexplained and showed unusual characteristics or capabilities.


In this article, we will review some of the most notable mass UFO sightings that occurred in 2022 and were publicly verified by credible sources. These are the sightings that captured the attention of the media and the public, and raised questions about what is really going on in our skies.


Massachusetts: A historic event


One of the most significant UFO sightings of 2022 happened in Massachusetts, where the state has had nearly 2,000 UFO sightings since 1400. In January 2022, a group of witnesses reported seeing a large triangular-shaped craft with three bright lights hovering over Boston . The craft was silent and moved slowly across the night sky before disappearing.


This sighting was remarkable because it was captured on video by multiple witnesses and corroborated by radar data. The AARO confirmed that the craft was not a known aircraft or drone, and that it exhibited advanced maneuverability and speed. The sighting was also recognized as a historic event by the Great Barrington Historical Society, which erected a monument to commemorate it.


The Boston triangle UFO was not the only sighting in Massachusetts in 2022. In fact, there were several other reports of strange lights and objects in the sky throughout the year. Some of these reports were attributed to balloons or drones, but others remain unexplained.


Nevada: A close encounter


Another remarkable UFO sighting of 2022 occurred in Nevada, where a commercial pilot had a close encounter with a cylindrical object that flew past his plane at high speed. The incident happened in February 2022, when the pilot was flying from Las Vegas to Los Angeles at an altitude of 37,000 feet.


The pilot reported that he saw a bright white object that looked like a missile or a rocket coming from his left side and passing under his plane. He estimated that the object was about 40 feet long and 10 feet wide, and that it flew at about 3,000 miles per hour. He also said that he felt a shockwave as the object passed by.


The pilot contacted air traffic control and reported the encounter, but they did not have any information about the object. The AARO investigated the case and ruled out any known aircraft or missile launch. They also said that the object did not emit any heat signature or radio signals. The origin and purpose of the object remain unknown.


New York: A fleet of orbs


One of the most spectacular UFO sightings of 2022 happened in New York, where hundreds of people witnessed a fleet of glowing orbs flying over Manhattan in March 2022. The orbs were white, orange, and red in color, and they moved in different formations and patterns. Some of them seemed to merge or split apart, while others changed direction or speed.


The orbs were visible for about 15 minutes before they faded away. Many witnesses captured photos and videos of the phenomenon and posted them on social media. The sighting generated a lot of buzz and speculation, as some people thought they were aliens, while others thought they were drones or lanterns.


The AARO investigated the case and said that they could not identify the nature or source of the orbs. They said that they did not detect any radar or infrared signatures from them, and that they did not match any known drone or balloon activity. They also said that they did not receive any reports of unauthorized flights or launches in the area. The mystery of the New York orbs remains unsolved.


These are just some examples of the mass UFO sightings that occurred in 2022 and were publicly verified by credible sources. There were many more sightings that were reported by individuals or small groups of witnesses, but they did not receive as much attention or verification. However, they still add to the growing body of evidence that suggests that there is something unusual happening in our skies.


What do you think about these sightings? Do you believe they are evidence of extraterrestrial visitation, or do you have another explanation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The GOP's War on Woke and Why They Want Americans to Remain Asleep

The term "woke" has become a political weapon in the hands of the Republican Party, which has launched a campaign to demonize and discredit anyone who challenges the status quo and advocates for social justice. But what does being "woke" really mean, and why are the GOP so afraid of it?


The Origins and Meaning of Woke


The word "woke" has a long history in the African American community, dating back to the early 20th century, when it was used as a call for Black people around the world to "wake up" to racial oppression and solidarity. The term gained wider popularity in the 2010s, especially after the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, which sparked a wave of protests and activism against police brutality and systemic racism.


According to a USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll conducted in March 2023, 56% of Americans say the term means "to be informed, educated on, and aware of social injustices." That includes not only three-fourths of Democrats but also more than a third of Republicans. Being "woke" implies being vigilant, watchful and alert to the opportunities and risks that affect marginalized groups and society as a whole.


The GOP's Attack on Woke


However, not everyone embraces the idea of being "woke." In recent years, the Republican Party has adopted the term as a rallying cry in the culture wars, signaling their opposition to everything from the teaching of the ongoing effects of slavery to the use of gender-neutral pronouns. They accuse "woke" people of being overly politically correct, policing others' words and imposing their views on everyone else.


Some examples of the GOP's war on "woke" include:


- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rejecting a proposed Advanced Placement African American Studies class from Florida high schools, calling it "divisive" and "indoctrination."

- Former President Donald Trump accusing President Joe Biden of engineering "a woke takeover of the entire federal government."

- South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott deriding "woke corporations" and "woke prosecutors" as negative forces in American life.

- Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes calling environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing part of "an open conspiracy to bypass Congress and instead impose costly changes on American consumers using the power of horizontal agreements by key players in our financial system."


The GOP's case against "woke" is simple: that Americans should not be concerned about anything other than their own interests and that any attempt to address social injustices is an attack on their freedom and values.


The Consequences of Staying Asleep


The GOP's war on "woke" is not only misguided but also dangerous. By dismissing and denying the realities of social injustices, they are perpetuating them and preventing any meaningful change from happening. By attacking and silencing those who speak up for social justice, they are undermining democracy and diversity. By promoting ignorance and indifference, they are creating a society that is more divided, unequal and unsustainable.


Being "woke" is not a threat to America; it is a necessity. It is not a sign of weakness; it is a source of strength. It is not a fad; it is a movement. It is not about being politically correct; it is about being morally right.


We cannot afford to remain asleep while our planet burns, our people suffer and our democracy erodes. We need to wake up, stay woke and work together for a better future for all.

Sunday, May 14, 2023

The GOP's Putin Wing: How Trump and His Allies Have Embraced the Russian Leader

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, is not a friend of the United States. He has invaded and annexed parts of Ukraine, interfered in American elections, cracked down on dissent and human rights, and opposed US interests and allies around the world. Yet, despite these facts, a significant faction of the Republican Party has developed a fondness for Putin, influenced by the former president Donald Trump and his media allies.


In this article, we will examine how and why some Republicans have become admirers of Putin, what are the implications for US foreign policy and national security, and what are the challenges for the GOP's future.


The Trump Effect


The main reason for the GOP's shift on Putin is Trump himself. As a candidate, president and ex-president, Trump has repeatedly praised Putin as a strong, savvy and genius leader. He has also echoed Putin's ideology, by harshly criticizing NATO, Western liberalism and L.G.B.T. rights. Trump has even suggested that Putin should release negative information on his political rival, Joe Biden.


Trump's admiration for Putin has had a trickle-down effect on some Republican voters, who began to view Putin more favorably than they viewed Biden, Kamala Harris or Nancy Pelosi. A YouGov poll in January 2022 found that Republicans viewed Putin more favorably than they viewed Biden. Another poll by Pew Research Center in February 2022 found that 38% of Republicans said they had a lot or some confidence in Putin to do the right thing regarding world affairs.


The Fox News Factor


Another factor that has contributed to the GOP's Putin wing is Fox News, the most popular news source for Republican voters. Fox News hosts like Tucker Carlson have suggested that American liberals represent a bigger threat than Putin. Carlson has also promoted a false rumor, popular in Russia, accusing the US of funding biological weapons labs in Ukraine.


Fox News has also given a platform to pro-Putin voices within the GOP, such as Mike Pompeo, Trump's former secretary of state, who called Putin "a very talented statesman" who has "lots of gifts" in a Fox interview. Pompeo has also downplayed the threat of Russian aggression in Ukraine, saying that "the Ukrainians will ultimately figure this out".


The Koch Industries Connection


Another corporation that seems to have a stake in the GOP's Putin wing is Koch Industries, one of the largest private companies in the US and a major donor to Republican causes. Koch Industries has been lobbying against sanctions on Russia since 2014, when Putin annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Koch Industries has also been involved in several business deals with Russian companies, including a joint venture with Rosneft, Russia's state-owned oil giant.


Koch Industries has also funded several think tanks and advocacy groups that have pushed for a softer stance on Russia, such as the Cato Institute, the Heritage Foundation and Americans for Prosperity. These groups have argued that sanctions on Russia are counterproductive, that NATO is obsolete and that the US should cooperate with Russia on issues like energy and terrorism.


The Implications and Challenges


The GOP's Putin wing poses serious challenges for US foreign policy and national security. It undermines the bipartisan consensus that Russia is an adversary that needs to be deterred and contained. It weakens the US alliance with NATO and other democratic partners. It emboldens Putin to pursue his expansionist ambitions and interfere in US domestic affairs.


The GOP's Putin wing also poses serious challenges for the GOP itself. It alienates many traditional Republicans who see Putin as a threat and an enemy. It creates divisions within the party between hawkish and dovish factions. It damages the party's credibility and reputation among American voters who value democracy and human rights.


The GOP's Putin wing is not representative of the entire party or its voters. Many Republican leaders and lawmakers have condemned Putin's invasion of Ukraine and called for strong sanctions and support for Ukraine. Many Republican voters say they wish the Biden administration would take more aggressive action to help Ukraine. But as long as Trump remains a leading contender for the 2024 Republican nomination, the party's Putin-friendly faction may not remain on the fringe.

Monday, May 8, 2023

Christian Nationalism and Biblical Satanism: A Critical Analysis

Christian nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to merge Christianity with American identity and values. It claims that the United States is a Christian nation, founded on biblical principles, and that its laws and institutions should reflect this. Christian nationalists often support policies that favor conservative Christians over other groups, such as restricting abortion rights, opposing same-sex marriage, promoting religious education in public schools, and privileging Christian symbols and monuments in public spaces.


However, in this blog post, I will argue that Christian nationalism is not only a distortion of Christianity, but also a form of biblical satanism. Biblical satanism is the worship of Satan as he is portrayed in the Bible, as a rebel against God who seeks to usurp his authority and deceive his followers. Biblical satanists often use biblical texts and symbols to justify their actions and beliefs, while rejecting the core teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Biblical satanism is different from modern satanism, which is a diverse movement that does not necessarily believe in a literal Satan or follow the Bible.


How is Christian nationalism a form of biblical satanism? Here are some of the ways:


- Christian nationalism idolizes America as a divine entity, rather than acknowledging God as the only sovereign ruler of all nations. It elevates patriotism to a religious duty, and conflates loyalty to America with loyalty to God. It also denies the diversity and pluralism of American society, and ignores the injustices and sins committed by America throughout its history. This is similar to how Satan tried to tempt Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world, if he would only bow down and worship him (Matthew 4:8-10).


- Christian nationalism twists the Bible to fit its political agenda, rather than submitting to its authority and interpretation by the church. It cherry-picks verses that support its views, while ignoring or distorting those that challenge them. It also imposes its own cultural and historical assumptions on the biblical text, rather than understanding it in its original context and genre. This is similar to how Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus out of context, in order to justify his actions and test his faith (Matthew 4:5-7).


- Christian nationalism opposes the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed and embodied, which is based on love, justice, peace, and mercy. It instead promotes a kingdom of this world, which is based on power, violence, domination, and exclusion. It often supports wars, militarism, nationalism, racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression and discrimination. It also rejects the call to repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and service that Jesus gave to his followers. This is similar to how Satan opposed God's will and plan for humanity, and sought to establish his own rule over creation (Isaiah 14:12-15).


Therefore, I conclude that Christian nationalism is a dangerous and deceptive ideology that contradicts the true essence of Christianity. It is not only unfaithful to God, but also harmful to society. It should be exposed and resisted by all who claim to follow Christ. As Jesus said: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24).

Friday, May 5, 2023

The Shameful Truth About Child Marriage in the US

Child marriage is a human rights violation that affects millions of girls and boys around the world. It robs them of their childhood, education, health, and freedom. It exposes them to violence, abuse, and exploitation. It perpetuates poverty and inequality. It is a global problem that requires urgent action.

But did you know that child marriage is also a reality in the US? According to a recent report by Unchained at Last, a nonprofit organization that advocates for an end to child marriage in the US, more than 200,000 minors were married in the US between 2000 and 2015. Most of them were girls, some as young as 10 years old. And most of them married adult men, some in their 40s or 50s.

How is this possible in a country that claims to be a leader in human rights and gender equality? The answer lies in the outdated and discriminatory laws that allow child marriage to persist in almost every state. In most states, the minimum age for marriage is 18, but there are exceptions that lower the age limit or eliminate it altogether. These exceptions include parental consent, judicial approval, pregnancy, or emancipation. In some states, there is no minimum age for marriage at all.

These loopholes create a legal system that enables and facilitates child marriage, often against the will of the minors involved. Many of these minors are coerced or forced by their parents or guardians to marry for various reasons, such as religious beliefs, cultural norms, family honor, or financial gain. Some of them are victims of sexual abuse or rape and are pressured to marry their abusers to avoid stigma or prosecution. Some of them are fleeing from abusive or neglectful homes and see marriage as a way out. Some of them are simply too young and naive to understand the consequences of their decision.

The consequences are devastating. Child marriage deprives minors of their rights and opportunities. It limits their access to education, employment, health care, and social services. It increases their risk of domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health problems, and maternal mortality. It isolates them from their peers and support networks. It traps them in a cycle of dependency and poverty.

Moreover, child marriage is extremely difficult to escape. Minors who marry are legally bound to their spouses until they reach the age of majority or obtain a divorce. However, obtaining a divorce is not easy for minors who lack the resources, knowledge, and power to do so. They may face legal barriers such as residency requirements, waiting periods, fees, or parental involvement. They may also face social barriers such as stigma, shame, or fear of retaliation from their spouses or families. Many of them end up staying in abusive or unhappy marriages for years or decades.

Despite these harsh realities, child marriage remains largely ignored and tolerated in the US. There is a lack of awareness and data on the issue among the public and policymakers. There is a lack of political will and courage to challenge the entrenched interests and beliefs that support child marriage. There is a lack of legal protection and assistance for minors who are married or at risk of being married.

This situation is unacceptable and must change. Child marriage is not a tradition, a culture, or a choice. It is a violation of human dignity and rights. It is a form of child abuse and exploitation. It is a crime that should be banned and punished.

That is why we need to join forces and demand an end to child marriage in the US. We need to raise awareness and educate people about the harms and dangers of child marriage. We need to advocate for laws that set 18 as the minimum age for marriage without exceptions in every state. We need to support organizations that provide legal aid and social services to minors who are married or at risk of being married.

We need to stand up for the rights and futures of our children. We need to end child marriage now.



Thursday, May 4, 2023

F*** Tucker

 Tucker Carlson's firing from Fox News was a long overdue and well-deserved consequence of his years of spreading lies, hate and misinformation on his show. Carlson was not only a mouthpiece for former president Trump's baseless claims of election fraud, but also a promoter of white supremacy, conspiracy theories and violence against his political opponents. His departure from the network was reportedly ordered by Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch himself, who was concerned about the legal and reputational risks of keeping Carlson on air.


Carlson's downfall was triggered by a discrimination lawsuit filed by a former producer on his show, Abby Grossberg, who alleged that she was coached and intimidated by Fox lawyers to give false testimony in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit. She also exposed a culture of sexism and misogyny at the network, and revealed a shocking text message that Carlson sent to her, in which he used a racist phrase and admitted to fantasizing about killing liberals. The text message sparked "panic" at Fox and was widely condemned by other media outlets and civil rights groups .


Carlson's firing is a victory for truth, justice and democracy. He was one of the most influential and dangerous voices in American media, who used his platform to sow division, fear and hatred among millions of viewers. He was also a hypocrite who pretended to be a champion of free speech and the working class, while living in a mansion and silencing anyone who dared to challenge him. His exit from Fox News is a sign that the network is finally facing the consequences of its irresponsible and unethical journalism, and that the American public is rejecting its propaganda and lies.

Monday, April 10, 2023

Aliens?

The possibility of extraterrestrial life has fascinated humanity for centuries, but what if we are not alone in the universe? What if there are other intelligent beings who have been visiting our planet for thousands of years, or even breeding with us? This blog post will explore some of the most popular theories and claims about the various alien races that are in contact with our species, and what their motives and agendas might be.


One of the most widely reported types of aliens are the greys, who are typically described as small, grey-skinned humanoids with large black eyes and no hair. They are often associated with abductions, implants, and experiments on humans, and some believe they are working with the US government in secret bases like Area 51. Some researchers suggest that the greys are a dying race who need human DNA to survive, or that they are creating hybrid beings to infiltrate our society.


Another common type of aliens are the reptilians, who are said to be tall, scaly humanoids with reptilian features and a malevolent agenda. They are often accused of manipulating human history, politics, and religion, and of shapeshifting into human form to infiltrate positions of power. Some conspiracy theorists claim that many world leaders, celebrities, and royals are actually reptilians in disguise.


A more benevolent type of aliens are the pleiadians, who are believed to be human-like beings from the Pleiades star cluster. They are often depicted as blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and fair-skinned, and as spiritual teachers and healers who want to help humanity ascend to a higher dimension. Some channelers claim to receive messages from the pleiadians, who offer guidance and wisdom on various topics.


Another friendly type of aliens are the arcturians, who are said to be highly advanced beings from the star Arcturus. They are often described as tall, blue-skinned humanoids with large heads and almond-shaped eyes. They are reputed to be masters of technology and spirituality, and to assist humanity in healing, awakening, and evolving.


There are many other types of aliens that have been reported or claimed by various sources, such as the sirians, the nordics, the mantids, the zetas, and more. Some of these races may have positive or negative intentions towards humanity, while others may be neutral or indifferent. Some may have direct or indirect contact with us, while others may observe us from a distance or remain hidden.


The truth about alien races may be hard to verify or prove, but it is certainly an intriguing and fascinating topic to explore. Whether you believe in them or not, you may wonder what they know about us, what they want from us, and what they can teach us. Perhaps one day we will find out for sure if we are alone in this vast universe, or if we have cosmic neighbors who have been watching us all along.

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Biblical Errancy and Contradictions: An Atheist Perspective

The Bible is often claimed to be the word of God, the ultimate source of truth and morality, and the guide for salvation. However, a closer examination of the biblical texts reveals that they are riddled with errors and contradictions, both factual and logical, that undermine their credibility and authority. In this article, I will present some of the most glaring examples of biblical errancy and contradictions, and explain why they pose a serious challenge to the Christian faith.


Factual Errors


The Bible contains numerous factual errors that contradict scientific knowledge, historical evidence, and common sense. For instance:


- The Bible claims that the earth was created in six days, and that the sun, moon, and stars were made on the fourth day (Genesis 1:1-19). However, modern astronomy shows that the earth is about 4.5 billion years old, and that the sun and stars are much older than the earth. Moreover, the earth cannot exist without the sun, which provides heat and light for life.

- The Bible claims that a global flood covered the entire earth and killed all living things except those on Noah's ark (Genesis 6-9). However, there is no geological evidence for such a cataclysmic event, and it is impossible for a wooden boat to accommodate millions of animal species and their food for a year. Moreover, the genetic diversity of life on earth cannot be explained by a single pair of ancestors for each species.

- The Bible claims that the sun stood still for a day to help Joshua win a battle (Joshua 10:12-14). However, this would violate the laws of physics and cause catastrophic consequences for the earth's rotation, climate, and tides. Moreover, there is no historical or astronomical record of such a miraculous event.

- The Bible claims that Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod and the census of Quirinius (Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:1-7). However, historical sources show that Herod died in 4 BCE, while Quirinius became governor of Syria in 6 CE. Therefore, these two events cannot be reconciled chronologically.


Logical Contradictions


The Bible also contains numerous logical contradictions that make it impossible to accept its claims as coherent and consistent. For instance:


- The Bible claims that God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnibenevolent (all-good) (Psalm 147:5; Jeremiah 32:17; 1 John 4:8). However, these attributes are incompatible with the existence of evil and suffering in the world. If God is omnipotent, he can prevent evil; if he is omniscient, he knows about evil; if he is omnibenevolent, he wants to prevent evil. Therefore, either God is not omnipotent, or not omniscient, or not omnibenevolent, or evil does not exist. But evil does exist, so God cannot be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good at the same time.

- The Bible claims that God is unchanging and eternal (Malachi 3:6; Psalm 90:2). However, this contradicts the biblical narrative of God's actions and emotions. For example, God regrets making humans and decides to destroy them with a flood (Genesis 6:6-7); God changes his mind about punishing Israel after Moses intercedes for them (Exodus 32:14); God gets angry with his people and sends plagues and wars to punish them (Numbers 11:1; Judges 2:14); God becomes human in Jesus and suffers and dies on the cross (John 1:14; Philippians 2:8). These examples show that God is not unchanging or eternal, but mutable and temporal.

- The Bible claims that Jesus is fully God and fully human (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9). However, this contradicts the essential properties of both natures. For example, God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, immortal, and sinless; human is limited in power, knowledge, presence, mortal, and sinful. Therefore, Jesus cannot be both God and human at the same time. If he is God, he cannot be human; if he is human, he cannot be God.


Conclusion


The examples above are only a fraction of the many errors and contradictions that can be found in the Bible. They demonstrate that the Bible is not a reliable source of truth or morality, but a human product of various authors with different perspectives and agendas. They also show that the Christian faith is based on irrationality.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Why I Post "Black Stuff"

   I got a message from someone who asked me why I post "all that black stuff," and "all the anti-cop shit." Well, for one,  if they had to ask this question, then they are obviously part of the greater problem. Two, I have a conscience,  and seeing fellow humans treated in the way that they have been treated for hundreds of years, as chattel,  as some sort of subspecies, it angers me.

   White supremacist programming surrepetitiously teaches us,  as whites,  that those who don't share our skin color are really nothing more than talented apes.

   That never imprinted on me.

   That's why my dumb white ass moved to the Crenshaw district in LA,  shortly after the riots. I've always considered everyone to be my equal, regardless of their wrapper,  and so I expect the same from others. Mostly, that's what I got. There were instances of anger,  and even violence directed towards me because of my race.

   Some of you white folks reading this might be thinking "Well that's what you get for moving into a black neighborhood." The implication there is that they are savages, as you have been taught by media to believe they are.

   In Hollywood, for the longest time, and even today,  people of color only got the bad guy roles,  as bit part criminals,  dope addicts,  etcetera. It's getting better,  but media still portrays people of color essentially criminally insane.

   Yes, I've experienced hatred at the end of a fist, but it was only a fraction of the pain our society has dealt to a portion of its own. Lynching still happens. If hasn't gone away. Our society has been treating people of color as less than human since this nation began. That's why laws were enacted,  to try to break that cycle.

   Yet,  here we are,  still there.

   I post these things because I'm angry. You don't get to treat fellow humans this
way, not if I have anything to say about it.

    

Sunday, November 22, 2015

On Police...

   Okay,  so some of my followers have noticed my posts on social media lately. Some of you may think I hate cops. Truth is,  I do not. I think cops can be the bravest and most noble among us.

   However...

   Lately,  there have been incidents recorded on video,  and in social media in which cops have definitely acted "above the law", as well as racially prejudiced. Whole departments of them.

   This goes beyond a few "bad apples."

   This is a culture.

   This is a problem because cops have the ability to either end your life or end your freedom on but a word,  and planted evidence. Yes,  as I've seen countless times on YouTube, cops can easily plant evidence,  and you are fucked if they do. They can also kill you and protect themselves by planting a weapon on you,  post-mortem. 

   They do these things to people of color on a daily basis,  just because. I've seen it,  personally.

   I don't want people like this running around with weapons.

   I would like more of the good cops bonding with their neighborhood. I also share many positive inspirational posts about cops.  It makes me happy to hear about the cops who help people on their beat.

   I like warm fuzzies.

   Let's make more of those.

Why This Doesn't Surprise Me

http://m.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/20/1452546/-Donald-Trump-Has-Gone-Full-Nazi-And-If-The-GOP-Doesn-t-Repudiate-It-They-Own-It?detail=facebook

I am not surprised by this, whatsoever.

I have seen people claiming that people of African descent are subhuman,  not actually human beings. I have seen this claim spouted in Christian groups and websites,  so numerous that I cannot count.

So,  it does not surprise me when someone like Trump comes along, and gives our nation's supposed Christians a rally point to stand against people who are not white "Christians".

I've said before, actions speak louder than words. At Trumps direction,  Nazi thugs,  beat a black protester at one of his rallies. Racist cops are coming out of their closets and openly espousing hatred of their fellow man,  and killing them. Racist congressmen and senators alike are openly making racially divisive statements.

It is long past time to put a stop to this.

These false Christians, waving the  American flag, have brought fascism, unchallenged throughout the years,  and now,  our nation finds itself in the middle of a economic downturn that has been obviously manufactured by these same people, whose bought and paid for politicians have shot down everything proposed that would help heal this nation, and,  in turn,  unify it.

This was done in order to divide us. To put "us" against "them"

People are waking up to this realization,  but will it be too little too late?

I hope not. For this nation's sake,  I hope not.



Friday, November 20, 2015

What a World and We Have Only One

So this world is going to Hell. Apparently in a handbasket.

This is why I am not religious.

Apparently,  Christianity is not about Jesus. Not one word, as far as I can see.

I'm talking about the loudest people on the planet who spout their rhetoric while completely ignoring the words of the the man they call themselves after. It is disgusting,  and they claim to have a morally superior stance on the world. They claim. Actions speak louder than words.

The world is tired of this rhetoric.

There is no need for it. We are too big as a planet to be like this anymore.

It is time for a change from the old method,  the old brand of government which protects the few at the expense of the many.

I hope I live to see this change.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

On Captain Phil

I don't know if I can watch the Phil Harris tribute.

I came to respect and love the Harris Family and the Cornelia Marie.

RIP Phil.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Jocks Held In Too High a Regard?

This is a possible scandal brewing, and I think it underlines what I have been saying for years: Talented sports figures can get away with murder.

A college which is looking very likely as the one to win the Men's NCAA basketball championship has allegedly covered up a serious sexual harassment scandal involving one of it's star players.

According to a secondhand report, a certain NCAA basketball star was involved in an unnecessarily prolonged incident of sexual harassment of one of his female instructors. The female instructor become very distraught, and this basketball star was removed from the class, and the incident was covered up, leaving the instructor emotionally scarred. To date, as I spoke to a close friend of the instructor, the issue has not been addressed and is likely never to be addressed.

What makes a talented sports figure so special that they continue to avoid accountability for their actions? I've seen it since high school, where jocks usually got a passing grade in a class without really showing any work in the subject, merely because the ball team likely wouldn't fare so well without them. I've seen it where police have actually removed a star player from a situation quietly, while everyone else present get's the full measure of the law.

What kind of message does this send our children?

Hold athletes responsible for their actions. Why is a championship so important that we ignore gross criminal behavior of the participants?

Friday, February 26, 2010

Ghosts are Such Assholes (or How I Became a Temporary Kidnapping and Murder Suspect)...

So, I live in a place that is extremely haunted. I can count at least four apparitions. What I didn't count on was one of these ghosts getting me put under scrutiny.

To start off I live in an apartment adjoining the barn on the ranch where I work. I like it because it is quiet and I hear nothing but horses. Did I tell you I like horses? I also dig ghosts, so the fact that this place is haunted doesn't frighten me in the least.

Well, this morning, we had a couple on the ranch doing some work in exchange for boarding their horses here. I will call them Larry and Carrie. Well, Larry was in the main barn, Carrie was in the outer barn, and they were feeding and watering the horses. The time was approcimately six a.m.

I had awoke, as I always do when they show up, and started t drift back to sleep, when all of a sudden I hear Larry running, and yelling for his wife. I sat up and looked out the window, and Carrie comes out of the outer barn, wondering what her husband is excited about. He tells her that he heard a woman's voice screaming "Help me!" So I got dressed and went downstairs and asked Larry what he had heard, and he told me, and I remarked that the ranch is haunted and that is one of the things I hear on occasion, and to not be alarmed. I couldn't help but notice a strange look on his face as I turned and went back up to the apartment, but I dismissed it and laid back down.

At 7:30 I am awakened by a Kentucky State trooper who is telling me that he got a report of a woman in distress screaming on the property, and he wants to me to open every door. So I did. The officer was satisfied that no murder had taken place, and left.

Ten minutes later, Larry arrives and is apologizing profusely. He explained what he had heard and how it made him feel, because to him it sounded just like a real woman in distress. I then told him of what I had seen and heard here at the ranch since I started working here, and I told him not to worry about it, because if I were in his shoes I'd have done the same thing.

This place is haunted. I won't argue the point with anyone. All they have to do is stay a few days here, learn the noises the horses make, and they will begin to pick out the unnatural noises that I hear every night. They might even see the apparitions that I have seen.

Up until this morning, the most annoying ghost we had here is a man about five feet eight inches tall, and when he walks you can hear the sound of boot heels on the concrete. He walks the stalls every night, and wakes me up. I see him in the dim light that comes in through the windows, but only as a shadow, and when I turn on the lights, he is not there. I have had him within arms reach of me twice, and saw his silhouette both times but when i flicked the light on, again, he is not there.

So now we have the "Help me!" ghost. I've heard her twice before and both times have gone rushing around the property with a flashlight trying to find the woman in distress, to no avail.

Other ghosts include a singing woman, and children.

My ethereal playmates...

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Truth Hurts as Funny as it May Be...

This is an excerpt from a comedy show by the late George Carlin.

One thing about Carlin, he was funny and he told the damned truth, but in a way we could laugh about it. It is sad that this is the truth, and this is what Thomas Jefferson warned us against.

--

"But there's a reason. There's a reason. There's a reason for this, there's a reason education SUCKS, and it's the same reason it will never ... ever ... EVER be fixed. It's never going to get any better, don't look for it, be happy with what you've got. ... ... ... BECAUSE ... THE OWNERS, OF THIS COUNTRY, DON'T WANT THAT! ... ... I'm talking about the real owners now ... ... ... ... ... the BIG owners! ... ... ... The Wealthy ... ... ... ... ... the REAL owners! ... The big wealthy business interests that control things ... and make all the important decisions. ... ... ... ... Forget the politicians. They are irelevant. ... ... The politicians are put there to give you the idea that you have freedom of choice . . . ... you dont. You have no choice! You have OWNERS! They OWN YOU. They own everything. They own all the important land. ... They own and control the corporations. Theyve long since bought, and paid for the Senate, the Congress, the state houses, the city halls, they got the judges in their back pockets and they own all the big media companies, so they control just about all of the news and information you get to hear. ... They got you by the balls. ... ... They spend billions of dollars every year lobbying ... . . . lobbying, ... to get what they want . . . ... Well, we know what they want. They want more for themselves and less for everybody else, but Ill tell you what they don't want . . . they don't want a population of citizens capable of critical thinking. ... ... They don't want well informed, well educated people capable of critical thinking. They're not interested in that . . . that doesn't help them. That's against their interests. That's right. ... ... They don't want people who are smart enough to sit around a kitchen table and think about how badly they're getting FUCKED by a system that threw them overboard 30 FUCKING years ago. ... ... They don't want that! You know what they want? They want obedient workers . . . Obedient workers, people who are just smart enough to run the machines and do the paperwork. ... And just dumb enough to passively accept all these increasingly shitty jobs with the lower pay, the longer hours, the reduced benefits, the end of overtime and vanishing pension that disappears the minute you go to collect it, and now they're coming for your ... Social Security money. ... ... ... They want your retirement money. They want it back so they can give it to their criminal friends on Wall Street, and you know something? ... ... ... Theyll get it . . . theyll get it all from you sooner or later cause they own this FUCKING place! Its a big club, and you ain't in it! ... ... ... ... You, and I, are not in The big club. By the way, its the same big club they use to beat you over the head with all day long when they tell you what to believe. All day long beating you over the head with their media telling you what to believe, what to think and what to buy. The table has tilted folks. The game is rigged and nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care! Good honest hard-working people . . . white collar, blue collar it doesnt matter what color shirt you have on. Good honest hard-working people continue, these are people of modest means . . . continue to elect these rich COCK SUCKERS who don't give a FUCK about you. They don't give a FUCK about you . . . ... they dont give a FUCK about you. .... .... They don't care about you at all . . . at all . . . at all, and nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care. That's what the owners count on. The fact that Americans will probably remain willfully ignorant of the big red, white and blue dick that's being jammed up their assholes everyday, because the owners of this country know the truth. Its called the American Dream, ... cause you have to be asleep to believe it . . ." George Carlin

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Lies...

What kind of lies to we tell ourselves and others every day?

Now, while most of us agree that lying is a bad thing, we all practice it to some degree. We will stretch the truth or fail to tell it to refrain from hurting another's feelings, either socially or professionally. The lie is the lubrication of social intercourse.

We even accept, to a certain degree, lies in our political system. We know that the person behind the podium is stretching the truth, omitting the truth, or downright lying, but we will vote for them if we like them anyway.

Honesty is the best policy. That's a familiar platitude, but a lie in itself. The truth could cost you your job, your friendships, and sometimes even your life.

I used to lay out my life like an open book in a blog. I had no desire to keep my feelings hidden. Then, a close friend mentioned to me that they found it odd that I would be so honest and open about things in my life that I should see as embarrassing. So, I killed the blog, and much of it was good reading, even if half of it was emotional tripe.

Personally, I don't see why I should find the facts of my life embarrassing. I guess it is because I have come so far without much compassion from my fellow man that I fail to see why I should care if someone looks down on me for my honesty. Then, I thought that perhaps it is not my feelings that are in question. Perhaps the reader, who might know me, would feel uncomfortable around me, having read things about me that most only say to a confessor.

I'll lay it out right now.

I was born with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Something I only recently found out about, but explains why people often feel uneasy around me. I am seen as somehow different, weird, and most people can't put their finger on why, and, since we are all fundamentally afraid of the unknown, I am shunned. It used to bother me, before I knew why, and helped fuel my clinical depression. With ASD, I am just socially inept. I can't read social cues and often make awkward social blunders, although I can fit in better with groups than I can individuals. I can go onstage, and have done so, with free flowing discourse, and rock the house, but, afterward, when people come to talk to me, they leave, somewhat baffled as to why I am not that cool guy they knew on the stage.

Thanks to an incident involving torture while serving in the Marines, I have suffered a combination of extreme anxiety and clinical depression, symptoms of PTSD. Thanks to the lack of willingness of the United States government to take responsibility, I failed to get the proper help I needed for over 16 years, and, as a result, almost died at my own hand several times in 2007. I'm currently dealing with the government to get them to take some responsibility, and give me the back pension I am entitled to, according to the guidelines of the Veteran's Administration handbook.

I used to be a heavy drinker. I don't believe in alcoholism as a disease. Self-medication is symptom of depression. I drank to escape my depression and feelings of failure. I do not drink heavily anymore. I can si down with a good bottle of beer or a nice glass of Syrah, and leave it at that. Oh, I do appreciate the occasional social-type overindulgence once in a great while but I find that I can't stand the effects it has on my middle-aged body. When I was in my twenties I could shake off the effects of a good drunk, but, these days, I don't even want to go there anymore, because I hate feeling like shit.

My final confession.

I hate people. I hate people because, by my experience, they are cruel, duplicitous, and intellectually lazy, as a group. This is not to say that there are not millions of individuals out there who are compassionate, intelligent free-thinkers, because there are, but they are drowned out by the herd. Those who wish to control the populace use the herd mentality when they posit a blatant lie which is accepted as a truth because enough people want to collectively believe. The case in point for that being Colin Powell's lecture shortly before the invasion of Iraq. We all knew it was a lie, but we, as a herd, wanted to believe, because we had been attacked, and someone had to pay.

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Big Deal About 40...

The big four zero.

Wow.

I really didn't think I'd make it here. As a matter of fact there have been countless times in my life when it should have ended right there, but, for some act of providence, it didn't. Someone said that God watches over drunks and fools, and I have been both, so maybe I was doubly protected.

Usually by 40, most people have their shit together. I've had my shit together several times only to have it brought down crumbling around my ears. I suppose that's His way of saying I was getting too cocky. He was right. Every time I had it going good, I became a douche-bag. I can't count the number of times I have had a woman call me arrogant during these times of plenty. It feels good to know you can get there, and success is an aphrodisiac to some women. In my case it was all of the wrong women, combined with an arrogant douche-bag manner.

I've moved all the way to the eastern seaboard, thousands of miles away from everything I have ever known. Do I miss the old life? Not really. Just the food. I don't miss the constant high blood pressure. I don't miss the smog. I don't miss the ghetto-birds circling the city twenty-four hours a day.

Speaking of the food, the only thing I really miss is good Mexican food, but I found the cure for that. There is a Latino community out here of primarily Mexican immigrants, with it's share of carnicerias (butcher shops), and most of these places have kitchens int he back, where if you walk in with a smattering of spanish you picked up from ordering from Roach Coaches in Los Angeles, you can come out with a damned filling meal for a low price.

One of the memorable things about my 40th birthday was when the brakes on the van failed. A brake line had burst, spraying all of the fluid out onto the rear axle, creating thick white smoke. After testing out what I had left, which was a very weak emergency brake, we decided to sy to hell with it and continue our drive to where we were going, which was a 40 minute drive into Indiana, and up a steep winding hill. We cavalierly laughed about the predicament, me proclaiming that I, "The Man With No Brakes" was going to die today. As you can see, i didn't die, but that incident created a mood of carelessness that I will always treasure. Beverly and I truly lived for those few hours. Coming back down that steep hill with no brakes and not dying was well appreciated.

The Whys and Wherefores...

It isn't enough that God gave us this wonderful thing called a sex drive, but then he had to add on to it the fallibility of falling in love.

All of my life I have sought two things. Good love and good sex. I have found plenty of the latter and none of the former. Sometimes I tried to equate the latter with the former but found that they did not seem to make good bed partners. Go figure.

A cruel trick of this thing that He gave us led me to complete and utter heartbreak, but, after so much experience with heartbreak, I guess it is something I can live with. The problem with that is assuming that one is going to live with it until he dies, given the history.

A couple of close friends of mine share something in common with me in this regard, for the moment. Both have found someone they really wanted and liked and both were summarily rejected. At least one of them did not have to go through the humiliation of constant sex with the object of their desire only to have them leave, and for that she should consider herself lucky. Both, like me, think it is all bullshit, and are afraid to try. They think it is something they did, as I did.

My experience with love led me to believe I would never find what I really sought. True love. I think I was wrong, and I think it is staring me in the face, but the inner part of me, the Great Cynic, who hates all of you, as well as I, for our foibles, tells me that it is just another pipe dream.

The Cynic could be right, but, however, the signs are there. The signs as laid down by the great romance writers of the centuries. Why shouldn't I believe the signs? I'll tell you why the Cynic doesn't. Because society is full of bullshit cliches and idealistic garbage about how things are supposed to be, and with all of this jumble of crap being pounded into our heads from the day we stepped into society with our nappy rug.

I have to wait and see. The Cynic has always been the major stockholder and with good reason. He always calls it right. I hope this time he doesn't.