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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.