CREATIONIST FOOLISHNESS DEBUNKED

https://fb.watch/r9xVqMGdSF/

TO ALL OUR FRIENDS, ALLIES, AND FELLOW CITIZENS ACROSS THE GLOBE

We reach out to you in these turbulent times with solidarity and hope. Despite our challenges, we want you to know that America's spirit remains unwavering. We have kept our heads and remembered the principles that have guided us through centuries of struggle and progress.

Now, more than ever, we stand firm in our belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. We emphasize all men and women, regardless of nationality, creed, or background. We understand many's struggles and are committed to working together to build a better, more just world for all.

At the heart of our values lies a deep commitment to democracy and liberty. These are not just words to us; they are the foundation upon which our nation was built. We believe in the power of democracy to empower individuals, to give voice to the voiceless, and to ensure that government is accountable to the people it serves.

But we also recognize that democracy is fragile and that it must be defended vigilantly against the forces of tyranny and oppression. We have seen throughout history the consequences of allowing tyranny to take root, and we are determined to prevent it from happening again.

So, to our fellow citizens, we say this: we are with you. We stand with you in defense of democracy and liberty and opposition to tyranny in all its forms. We will not waver in our commitment to these ideals nor shrink from the challenges ahead.

Together, we can build a future where freedom, justice, and equality are aspirations and realities for all. Together, we can ensure that the flame of liberty continues to burn bright, lighting the way for future generations.

With hope and determination,

Bill Spriggs
Lynchburg, Virginia

TRUMP PROMISES TYRANNY

Trump's followers believe he is above the law, but they defend him as if he is subject to these laws. What laws are there, and what evidence is there that he is guilty of tyranny? Ninety-one felony charges, thousands of lies, and his unequivocal insistence he won in 2020 are evidence of tyranny. All the more so, his recent behavior, oral allusions, and admissions promise dictatorship and theocracy. He acts like he is above the law. However, the objective, scientifically verifiable evidence supports the warning that Trump is hands down guilty of tyranny.

Tyranny is a form of oppressive and unjust rule where a single individual or a small group exercises absolute power over others without regard for their rights or welfare. It often involves the abuse of authority, suppression of dissent, and the violation of fundamental human rights. The tyrant maintains control through coercion, intimidation, propaganda, or force.

Characteristics of tyranny include:

1. Authoritarianism: Tyranny often involves centralized authority, where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group without checks and balances.
2. Abuse of Power: Tyrants use their authority to serve their interests rather than the common good. They may exploit their position for personal gain, suppress opposition, and undermine democratic processes.
3. Violation of Rights: Tyranny disregards individuals' rights and freedoms. Citizens may be subject to arbitrary arrest, imprisonment without trial, censorship, or other forms of oppression.
4. Control of Information: Tyrants often control the flow of information to manipulate public opinion and maintain their grip on power. They may use propaganda, censorship, or media manipulation to shape perceptions and suppress dissent.
5. Fear and Intimidation: Tyrants rely on fear and intimidation to maintain control over the population. This can include violence, threats, or surveillance to suppress opposition and dissent.
6. Lack of Accountability: Tyrants typically operate above the law, immune from scrutiny or accountability for their actions. They may dismantle institutions that provide checks and balances, such as an independent judiciary or free press.

Tyranny can arise in various forms, including dictatorship, absolute monarchy, or oligarchy. Throughout history, many societies have struggled against tyranny in pursuing freedom, justice, and democracy. Efforts to resist tyranny often involve organized resistance movements, civil disobedience, or revolutions aimed at overthrowing oppressive regimes and establishing more just and equitable governance systems.

In the run-up to the presidential campaign, Trump told his supporters that he would embrace all six characteristics listed here. This is not making America great again. This is tyranny, a regression to the nineteenth century, and a blatant promise of fascism and theocracy.

 

DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONALLY

https://www.facebook.com/reel/827792609364570

CALLING ALL CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS

Religious leaders and followers who are not evangelical Christians must know your institutions are and will continue to be under attack by the Trump cult.

You are in the unique position of power, should you choose to exercise it, to preserve church and state separation democracy and your beliefs and your religious practices. If, on the other hand, you remain silent and do not speak out against the Trump juggernaut, you will be subjected to the state-controlled dogma.

Whether you believe in a creator who controls everything, one who created everything and went on to other things, one who is both good and evil, or you seriously doubt the existence of any such higher power; you should consider whether we want our governments run by any ancient religion. Yes, this is the age-old debate about church and state. A minimum of 20% (atheists and agnostics) of us want separation of church and state.

Evangelicals are entitled to their beliefs, but they are not entitled under the Constitution or their prophets and writings to impose religious confusion (thousands of gods, thousands of ancient manuscripts) on the rest of society. Evangelicals have no supernatural or natural support for their plan to take over governments (worldwide).

Trump is an opportunist only interested in his agenda. This speed walk to theocracy must be stopped by levelheaded pragmatic leaders who genuinely want to keep America America.

So we call upon Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Methodist leaders to support the separation of church and state. You are in a fight whether you admit it or not. The Evangelicals want to control the state, the government that inures to your benefit. Do not let them get away with it. Oppose, do not enable, the budding theocracy.

THE DEMOCRACY DELUSION

We do not have a democracy in America. The founding fathers saw to that. In a moment of failed genius, they substituted the Electoral College for the popular one-person-one-vote system that we were taught was democracy because the majority of the popular vote in kindergarten, no less, ruled. That was the simple rule. Every person's vote counted the same, and we all agreed to be bound by the majority vote. No, so.

We have seen the abuses. The unscrupulous power grabbers make sure the playing field is tilted in their direction, and then they work the political system to ensure that the "swing" states' votes count for more than the other states. Their vote counts for more than mine.

The founding fathers' motivation to introduce the Electoral College is irrelevant. They lacked the vision to see the potential for abuse. They probably wanted control for all the wrong reasons anyway. We have seen how serious mistakes can be in modern elections. It is possible now that the Electoral College provision will usher in an avowed dictator, grifter, amoral, failed businessman as President when the popular vote is overwhelmingly against him.

Add gerrymandering, and you have the perfect recipe for total minority rule. The end of democracy is nigh. No, democracy was never here. It was, as they say, dead on arrival with the Constitution. We should have realized and corrected it promptly. No, it is too late. No, America, you do not have democracy, and you might as well prepare for the ultimate wreckage not having it will cause.

WHAT IS STOICISM?

Stoicism is a philosophical school that originated in ancient Greece around the 3rd century BCE, founded by Zeno of Citium. It gained prominence in ancient Rome through philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Although ancient Stoicism focused on living a virtuous life by nature and accepting what is beyond our control, the modern understanding of Stoicism has evolved to apply these principles to contemporary life.

1. Virtue Ethics: Stoicism is centered on the idea of living a virtuous life. Modern Stoics emphasize cultivating virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Rather than pursuing external goods or pleasure, Stoics prioritize internal qualities that lead to a flourishing life.
2. Acceptance of External Events: Modern Stoicism encourages acceptance of events beyond our control. This does not mean passivity but rather adopting a mindset that focuses on their response to events rather than the events themselves. Individuals can find peace and maintain inner tranquility by accepting what cannot be changed.
3. Focus on the Present Moment: Stoicism emphasizes living in the present moment and making the most of it. Individuals can lead more meaningful lives by focusing on what is within their control and acting with intentionality. This aspect aligns with mindfulness practices and the idea of being fully engaged in the present.
4. Practical Application: Modern Stoicism emphasizes the practical application of philosophical principles in everyday life. This includes techniques such as negative visualization (contemplating worst-case scenarios to better appreciate what one has), journaling, and reflection. These practices help individuals develop resilience, gratitude, and self-awareness.
5. Indifference to External Goods: Stoicism teaches indifference to external goods such as wealth, fame, or social status. While it doesn't advocate for a life of poverty or deprivation, it encourages individuals to recognize that these externals are not necessary for a eudaimonic (flourishing) life. Instead, true happiness comes from within and is cultivated through virtuous living.
6. Social Responsibility: Modern Stoicism acknowledges humanity's interconnectedness and promotes cosmopolitanism, where individuals see themselves as citizens of the world. This involves practicing empathy and compassion and contributing to society's well-being.

In summary, while the core principles of ancient Stoicism remain relevant, the modern understanding of Stoicism incorporates these principles into a practical framework for living a fulfilling and meaningful life in the contemporary world. It emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and ethical conduct, offering guidance on navigating life's challenges with wisdom and equanimity.

 

ANTHOLOGY OF ARTICLES ON SOCIALISM

 

https://wspriggs2.blogspot.com/search?q=socialism

 

OR, WHY TRUMP WILL TAKE BRIBE MONEY

 On the other hand, to protect his privacy and assets, such as they may be, he will flaunt the laws and take what will be a bribe from a Russian Oligarch, Saudi Prince, or Elon Musk.

If Donald Trump solicits or obtains a loan from a foreign individual or government to pay his personal debt to New York, does he likely violate U.S. laws?

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

The scenario you described could raise legal concerns depending on the situation's specifics and applicable laws. Here are some key considerations:

1. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA): The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits U.S. citizens, including individuals like Donald Trump, from offering, promising, or paying anything of value to foreign officials or governments in exchange for business favors or influencing official actions. If a foreign individual or government loan to Donald Trump is made to influence his actions or decisions as a public official or in connection with his business dealings, it could potentially violate the FCPA.
2. Emoluments Clause: The U.S. Constitution's Emoluments Clause prohibits federal officials, including the President, from receiving gifts, titles, or emoluments from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. If a loan from a foreign individual or government to Donald Trump is considered an emolument, it could raise constitutional concerns, mainly if it's seen as an attempt to influence his actions or decisions as President.
3. Disclosure Requirements: Federal officials, including the President, must disclose certain financial information, including loans, on annual financial disclosure forms. If Donald Trump solicits or obtains a loan from a foreign individual or government, he may be required to disclose this information on his financial disclosure forms. Failure to disclose such loans could lead to legal consequences.
4. Conflict of Interest Laws: Federal officials, including the President, are subject to conflict of interest laws and regulations. If Donald Trump solicits or obtains a loan from a foreign individual or government that creates a conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety, it could raise concerns about compliance with these laws.

It's important to note that legal analysis in specific cases depends on the facts and circumstances involved. If there are concerns about potential legal violations, it's advisable for individuals involved to seek guidance from legal experts familiar with relevant laws and regulations.

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WHY TRUMP WILL CHOOSE DEFAULT

Trump would be well advised to default on his enormous debt to New York. Any individual benefactor would be identified and used to hurt him in the election. Likewise, filing for bankruptcy will hurt him in the election as that move requires the disclosure of all of his assets, liabilities, and income. So, he is left with default, which is a slow, expensive process by which New York must go through a cumbersome and complicated set of processes to seize his assets, if any.

The situation can become legally complex if the State of New York executes a judgment against an individual or entity and seizes assets burdened with loans to third parties. Here are a few possible scenarios:

1. Priority of Liens: The State of New York's judgment may have priority over the liens held by the third-party lenders. In this case, the state could seize the assets free and clear of the loans. However, this depends on the laws governing liens and priorities in the jurisdiction.
2. Subordination Agreements: If there are existing subordination agreements between the third-party lenders and the State of New York, the lenders may have agreed to subordinate their liens to the state's judgment lien. This means that even though the loans exist, the state's lien takes precedence in the event of enforcement.
3. Foreclosure or Sale: In some cases, if the assets seized are subject to loans, the state may have the option to foreclose on or sell the assets to satisfy its judgment. The proceeds from the sale would then be used to pay off the loans to third parties, with any remaining funds going toward satisfying the state's judgment.
4. Challenges from Third-Party Lenders: Third-party lenders may challenge the state's seizure of assets, especially if they believe their interests are being unfairly prejudiced. This could lead to litigation determining the priority of liens and the parties' rights.

Overall, the outcome would depend on various factors, including the laws and regulations governing liens and judgments in New York, the terms of any existing agreements or contracts, and the actions taken by the parties involved. In complex situations like these, it's advisable to consult with legal professionals who specialize in bankruptcy, debt enforcement, and asset seizure to understand the options and potential consequences.

If the assets subject to the State of New York's judgment are located in other states or foreign countries, enforcing the judgment becomes more complicated due to the involvement of different legal jurisdictions. Here's what could happen in such scenarios:

1. Domestic Enforcement (Other U.S. States): If the assets are located in other states within the United States, the State of New York can seek to enforce its judgment in those states through a process known as domestication of the judgment. This typically involves registering the judgment in the courts of the other states and pursuing enforcement proceedings according to the laws and procedures of those jurisdictions.
2. International Enforcement (Foreign Countries): Enforcing a judgment in foreign countries involves navigating the legal systems and procedures of those countries. This process may be governed by international treaties, bilateral agreements, or the domestic laws of the foreign jurisdiction. The State of New York must follow the appropriate legal channels in the foreign country to seek recognition and enforcement of its judgment.
3. Recognition and Enforcement: In both domestic and international contexts, the State of New York would need to obtain recognition of its judgment by the courts in the relevant jurisdictions before it can enforce it against the assets located there. This often requires demonstrating that the decision is final, valid, and enforceable under the foreign jurisdiction's laws.
4. Challenges and Defenses: The party against whom the judgment is enforced may raise various challenges or defenses to contest enforcement, including jurisdictional issues, lack of due process, or substantive legal arguments. Resolving these disputes may require further litigation in the courts of the relevant jurisdictions.
5. Practical Considerations: Enforcing judgments across borders can be time-consuming, costly, and uncertain. Factors such as the availability of assets, the willingness of foreign authorities to cooperate, and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms for enforcement can impact the outcome.

In summary, enforcing a judgment against assets in other states or foreign countries involves a complex legal process that requires careful navigation of domestic and international laws and procedures. Legal advice from experienced professionals familiar with both domestic and global enforcement matters is essential in such cases.

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ECCLESIASTES ON THE MEANING OF LIFE

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201&version=NIV

Everything Is Meaningless

1 The words of the Teacher,[a] son of David, king in Jerusalem:

2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!”
    says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
    Everything is meaningless.”

3 What do people gain from all their labors
    at which they toil under the sun?
4 Generations come and generations go,
    but the earth remains forever.
5 The sun rises and the sun sets,
    and hurries back to where it rises.
6 The wind blows to the south
    and turns to the north;
round and round it goes,
    ever returning on its course.
7 All streams flow into the sea,
    yet the sea is never full.
To the place the streams come from,
    there they return again.
8 All things are wearisome,
    more than one can say.
The eye never has enough of seeing,
    nor the ear its fill of hearing.
9 What has been will be again,
    what has been done will be done again;
    there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there anything of which one can say,
    “Look! This is something new”?
It was here already, long ago;
    it was here before our time.
11 No one remembers the former generations,
    and even those yet to come
will not be remembered
    by those who follow them.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201&version=NIV

Everything Is Meaningless

 

EYES ON THE BALL

Being a professional contract manager is a challenging task. Federal procurement regulations are more complex, detailed, and voluminous than federal income tax laws. But amid all of the complexities and occasional confusion is the ball on which to keep your eyes.

The contracting officer. Your success depends on your relationship with the contracting officer. You must have a close working relationship, or at the first sign of trouble, you will be in over your head. You and the contracting officer must be fully engaged in managing the project.

This is not the occasion for a long-distance acquaintanceship. At the very least, you are friendly competitors, if not friends or partners. Yes, this is a different business relationship. Why? Only the contracting officer speaks for and binds the government. Only the contracting officer can direct you to perform work on the contract. Only the contracting officer has the power to settle disputes. Only the contracting officer can sign your report card.

The customer is always right? Leave that prescription to the commercial world. You must get along as friends to avoid drowning in delay, disruption, and debt. Scratch the surface of the facts in every litigation matter, and you will most likely find bad blood between the contractor and the contracting officer. Conversely, see the report card on every successful procurement, and you will find two in tango.

Face-to-face meetings, daily contact, frequent reports on progress even if not required, prompt notice of constructive changes, prompt recognition and assessment of any claims, and agreement to participate in ADR even in advance of any claim. Scrub the solicitation before bidding collaboratively to get the guiding document in proper shape. Just be nice (shorthand for the golden rule).

You are in the wrong business if you cannot follow this advice.

MAGA'S DEFINITION OF FREEDOM IS TYRANNY

We all want freedom. Most of us participate in the notion of freedom our forefathers enshrined in the Constitution, to which we continue to aspire in the concept we call democracy.

Not so, the MAGAs. Driven ideologically and dogmatically by the errant Christian Evangelicals, the MAGAs have an entirely different concept of freedom. Robert Jaffee serves us the explanation:

"The problem with our argument against Trump is that 35-40% of this country would rather live under a dictatorship, especially the evangelicals and religious conservatives.

Democracy is an antithetical to their ideology. They only believe in freedoms that correspond to their belief systems and worldviews. Everyone else is an affront to their way of life.

And Trump has brought these people closer to the Promised Land than any president before him. Not even Bush or Reagan would have approved some of the Trump judges who overturned Wade.

We need to convince everyone else that these religious wing-nuts are the greatest threat to this nation, and we are just one election away from a Christian version of Sharia Law being implemented in this country. Our separation of church and state is in grave danger."

We have given religion a pass in our secular political and philosophical discourse. Matters of "faith" have been off limits, and unscrupulous religious leaders and would-be dictators have coopted religion as their shield and sword. We are overdue to give religion its just due and call it to account.

Faith is defined as belief in the absence of evidence. We leave each individual to believe as they will, freely, without fear of retribution or condemnation. 

However, when religion takes advantage of its protection and freedom of practice, enters the political world, and tries to take over our enshrined in blind justice constitutionally defined freedom, we draw a red line and call out religion and the MAGA cult as morally corrupt and intellectually bankrupt.

Evangelicals have joined the MAGAs to wage war on democracy. They will replace democracy with autocracy and theocracy. The only freedoms exist in their dogma.

CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS

https://fb.watch/qJ41KBwI7l/

OUT OF MANY, ONE

Neil Degrasse Tyson tells Stephen Colbert how the Cosmic view of our political discourse shows us a continuum of ideas that makes it impossible to create isolated echo chambers in which tribalism exists. The cosmic view demonstrates we are one among many, and in infinite time and space, there is room for discussion of what connects us rather than what divides us. A view of the multitude of stars steers our political discussion to an open space where infinite diversity in clear view opens our hearts and minds.

Red states rail against federal taxes, yet they receive the most benefit, far more than they pay. On the continuum of time and space, there is room to discuss how the taxation system benefits everyone according to their needs, and that may well affect the balance or imbalance in a particular state. E Pluribus Unum.

Here is the interview:

https://fb.watch/qFUe04i1aY/

 

EXTINCTION OF HOMO SAPIENS

The last eighty years have been a golden age of advancement in understanding the universe, the origin of life, and the history of our species. In fact, we will likely never know more than we know now. We are an extraordinary version of our species, but our end is in sight.

The vision of our species' extinction becomes more straightforward and transparent daily. We are headed inexorably to complete self-made annihilation. The laws of physics, if not of evolution, portend a finite ending. The best evidence is the extinction of millions of species that are dying out in the life of our planet.

At least three things converge to allow the view that the end is near, and the end is not the religious version, although religion is one of the three indicators of the end. 

The first is the new age of war. By awakening the sleeping giant in this age of technological sprint, we are so much closer than ever to losing control through leadership failures or artificial intelligence. 

The second is the relentless pursuit of regressive stupidity. Although the intelligentsia continues to make great strides into the future and advance science as never before, the educational systems fail to educate, and the educatable worship dogma, grifters, and cult leaders.  

Religion has been about the task of destroying the species since its inception. Now, theocracies and control by minority rule are just around the corner. Formal churchgoing may be declining, but that is no harbinger of rational humanism growing on a grand scale. Instead, there is a pandemic of superstition, lies, fake news, and tooth fairy tales. The Christian Bible becomes the only book to read, and we are back to burning books that are not dogmatic.

The rationally predictable devolution of the homo sapien species is on a fast track, and it is inevitable. There is no elixir for curing stupidity and superstition. Although it is impossible to predict the timing or the precise cause, the end is near. Very near.