Billions spent on our election

Every election I think how the huge amounts of money could have been spent for better causes. But not this year. The money spent, both by Democrats and Republicans saved our nation to be a blessing to others. It secured our borders, it attacked waste and frivolous spending that would have been far more expensive if not reduced, it slowed down the wars, and perhaps it was the funeral for wokeism in our military, the bureaucracy and academe. It is the new Jim Crow. Is that too much to hope for?

 
The Democrats' money too helped just by showing us how ridiculous and divisive their policies and goals are. While trying to destroy us, they paid millions to show us the opposite of the values they touted with Americans held hostage for a Jan 6 riot, for Americans and allies killed in August 2021, for the coup that was the opposite of democracy, and their killing of babies and maiming of children.

According to Wall St. Journal today: "Kamala Harris raised more than $1 billion and spent more than $900 million [I don't know where the money Biden raised before he withdrew went], while the Trump campaign raised around $380 million and spent more than $350 million. In swing states Democrats had the edge in campaign spending across the board.

The margin was closest in Pennsylvania, where Democrats spent $109 million to Republicans’ $102 million. In Michigan Democrats spent $81 million to Republicans’ $18 million. In Wisconsin it was $49 million to $15 million, according to AdImpact. Mr. Trump won those states, but more narrowly than his advantage on the issues and the national turn to the right suggest he might have."

We Bruces contributed nothing except indirectly. Our money continued to support pro-life causes, religious freedom causes, conservative non-profits and our church. All those organizations have staff, volunteers and communication systems that speak the truths of the Bible and our Constitution. I hope they spent wisely and prayed about it.

A note from Christmas 2000--on abortion

 Came across a note I'd written to a friend in December 2000. We had been in a small group together through our church and had attended her wedding.  She and her husband had moved on later and we'd lost touch for awhile. (Now it's been 20 years and I have no idea where she is.) Sounds like today's case before the Supreme Court. This is the only part I'll share:

"This week I wrote the year-end checks to cover our tithe--we figured we were about $2500 short because we never know until the end of the year what our income is. So I made contributions to a Library in honor of Mom and Dad, Billy Graham, Lakeside, Cat Welfare (enclosed a photo of Lotza Spotza), Lutheran Bible Translators in support of the Toenjes family, Bible Literature International, and Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (anti-abortion). Keeping children alive and translating the Bible into new languages are the two most important of the group, as far as I'm concerned. Technically, Cat Welfare isn't a church tithe, but I think taking care of stray animals and not killing them is something Jesus would do, just as he wouldn't kill babies who arrive at inconvenient times.

I believe abortion is the defining issue of our time as was slavery 150 years ago. Each era has its problems it needs to solve. The difference is 150 years ago Christians (particularly women) were in the forefront trying to reverse a terrible crime against humanity, now women are the great perpetrators. The church just falls in line and tries to pretend it will go away if no one speaks out. The ethical standards of Christians seem to be no different than the rest of society."

The Discovery Shop--donations 2013

The Discovery Shop (cancer fund raising) is just up the street, and I like to shop there and donate there.  In May 2013 I mentioned the things I was taking that day from my so-called "vintage clothes collection."  This week I bought medium blue summer slacks for $1.34 and Volunteers of America, and a pleasant blue (different shade) knit shirt at Discovery for $3. Although neither appear to have been worn, I always wash them.  You just never know . . . 

"I wouldn't say I have a vintage clothing collection, but I have saved a few favorites over the years. Some are leaving the house tomorrow for the Discovery Shop (cancer). A 1963 wool winter coat--sort of the Jackie Kennedy style knock-off, except I bought it at K-Mart. A long, floor length cotton print skirt, 1973, I enjoyed wearing at Lakeside. A black and cream silk dress for my daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner in 1993. A purple formal I wore on our 2001 Alaskan cruise. I still have formals my mom made for me in high school, blazers she made for me for college, the wedding dress she made and some favorites from the 80s and 90s with giant shoulder pads."

End of the year 2020 donations

Time for the end of the year donations list. We held off on our church pledge, but finally paid it because. . . we pledged early in the year. It has obligations to many other ministries and to its staff. Even if closed, the buildings have maintenance costs. 

 I had no problem increasing our gift to Lakeside Chautauqua on Lake Erie. The staff did an incredible job of keeping the lights on and providing both on-line and live activities. We stayed an extra 6 weeks--there was nothing for us in Columbus. Lakeside has even increased its winter activity and has fabulous seasonal decorations and even a new restaurant.

 But I particularly want to recommend Prager U. The lockdown probably benefitted those companies that have a heavy media presence. Its social media went to 9 million and 35 million different people viewed their content on YouTube, more than 10% of the U.S. population. In 2020 alone, their videos were viewed over one billion times, or about 4 million views every day. You can learn more in 5 minutes with Prager U than a semester in a college class. Clear, targeted, precise with great graphics and production values. 

Are you confused about the Electoral College? Tara Ross's video got 65 million views. She's written many books and articles on this topic. Do You Understand the Electoral College? | PragerU Carol Swain, a black Republican can set you straight on The Inconvenient Truth About the Democratic Party | PragerU. It's had 28 million views. Take it from someone who's been there Felipe Moura Brasil as he explains How socialism ruined my country, with 22.3 million views. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1364480493594803

It's horrifying to watch this one, as you see every trick the Socialists pull on us in the USA. There are many more like Brandon Tatum on How to end White privilege, Larry Elder on the Ferguson Lie, Mark Mills on What's wrong with wind and solar, plus many more. 

 Watch a Prager U video today and get the college education you deserve.

End of the year contributions, 2016

 Why do I have 5 envelopes for some organizations and none for others?

National Trust for Historic Preservation
Coming Home Network International, Zanesville, OH
Lutheran Bible Translators
Pregnancy Decision Health Center, Columbus
Lower Lights Christian Health Center, Columbus
St. Gabriel Radio, Columbus
168 Film Project (California)
Lakeside
COCINA (Haiti school)
EWTN (Alabama)
Pinecrest Community (in memory of my parents) Mt. Morris, IL
Salvation Army

Donations in Kind
Cat Welfare (memorabilia, jewelry), Columbus, rescue
Discovery Shop (wedding dress) Columbus, cancer

Memberships
Ohio History Connection
Columbus Museum of Art

Cash for influence

“Almost a decade ago, as Hillary Clinton ran for re-election to the Senate on her way to seeking the presidency for the first time, the New York Times reported on her unusually close relationship with Corning, Inc., an upstate glass titan. Clinton advanced the company's interests, racking up a big assist by getting China to ease a trade barrier. And the firm's mostly Republican executives opened up their wallets for her campaign.

During Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State, Corning lobbied the department on a variety of trade issues, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The company has donated between $100,000 and $250,000 to her family's foundation. And, last July, when it was clear that Clinton would again seek the presidency in 2016, Corning coughed up a $225,500 honorarium for Clinton to speak.”

http://www.vox.com/2015/5/16/8614881/Hillary-Clinton-took-money

Even the American Institute of Architects. . .

Charitable giving

Jesus preaches and teaches more on money than any other topic. Liberal Christians will remind you, if you forget. However, he never asks believers/followers to take money from others and pretend it's their own generosity. Nor does he ever suggest they ask Rome to respond to their responsibilities. Nor does he ever promise you will end poverty or change lives if you give--except maybe your own. Although Americans are the most generous in the world--giving to charity more than the GDP of some prosperous countries--the lowest income and least educated Americans (bottom fifth) give beyond their capacity. The wealthiest give proportionately the least. Giving helps your health, your happiness and even your looks! The giving season is coming--don't be stingy. http://online.wsj.com/…/SB100014240527023043374045792143334

http://www.aei.org/publication/arthur-brooks-to-unveil-new-research-on-charitable-giving/

http://allchristiannews.com/less-tithing/

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/05/19/68456_americas-poor-are-its-most-generous.html?rh=1

Business Reply University of Illinois Foundation

Faculty Profile

Change round up

This doesn't look like a good idea to me. Keep your change, dig it out of the bottom of your purse, wallet or pocket and put it in a dish, box or piggy bank at home. Periodically take it to the market (this little piggy, get it?), buy canned food, and donate it to your local food pantry. I have a bunch of reservations about food pantries, but right now many people are stopping by for help who perhaps in the past were donors. The price increases in the stores are shocking--higher fuel costs, less investment in local companies due to punitive environmental regulations, and it's only going to get worse as the coal industry is shut down through the global warming, cap and trade hoaxers. Government do-good, feel-good programs hurt the poor first. The trillions we spend on poverty programs are disturbingly inefficient and wasteful of tax money, propping up inefficent industries, farmers and community organizers. Better to step in and do your part personally than to turn more over to the government.

Yesterday I spent about an extra $10 at Meijer's--some things that are easy to store and will provide a bit more variety than what might be on the shelves. I've heard things are lean and the shelves empty. Instead of a big blow out of grocery bags at Thanksgiving and Christmas, our church has the food bin in the lobby on Sundays during November and is asking that people donate smaller amounts the entire month. Sometimes businesses collect food; sometimes radio or TV stations. Which ever, this week when you're shopping pick up a few extra cans and donate. Keep your change, and then recycle it. Know where it is going.