Bug-out Biden

"At this point, we are left with two questions: Why did Biden do it? And what will happen next? The answer to the first is that, for all his years in government, Biden, unlike Petraeus, has no idea how to take advice. Strong leaders appoint chief lieutenants who know more than they do about a particular area of competence. A good leader takes input from all circles, engages in collaborative discussions, and forms a consensus before reaching a decision. Biden, in his haste to pull out early, showed no willingness to do anything of the sort.

 
And why? Political reasons. For Biden, the prospect of leaving twenty years to the day after 9/11/2001 was perceived to be a coup for the majority of Americans who wanted out, so much so that the public’s short-term memory would overlook the multiple human tragedies occurring nearly fifteen months before the November 2022 congressional elections. "

https://www.hoover.org/research/dire-consequences-afghanistan?

We had a brass duet program in the park--a French horn and Trumpet, husband and wife from the Toledo symphony.  During a Q. & A.  one man in the audience stood up and said in a teary voice,  "I'm so distraught about what is happening in Afghanistan, I wonder if you could play the Star Spangled Banner for our brave troops."  So she did.  It was beautiful.. . and sad.

We will miss Pastor Brodie at UALC

His message: "On Sunday the good people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in San Diego, CA voted to call me to come and serve as their pastor. I am so honored to have this opportunity and so grateful to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church for the privilege of serving there these last 16 years. My last Sunday at UALC will be September 12 and my first Sunday at STLC will be September 19. Please pray for our family as we begin a season of great change!"

Clean up after Joe Biden--Cartoon

 

The hollow man, Joe Biden

   

Joe Biden Unfit to Lead Nation | National Review

Beltway and Democrat followers of WaPo and Biden

The ignorance and banality I read in the Washington Post comments about Afghanistan and what Biden has done makes me fear for our country. I get the feed on Facebook and see the responses. Let's review.

 
1) Trump had a plan. . .wasn't great, but no one since 2003 had a better one. It was to bring the Taliban to the table and THEN withdraw leaving no military treasure, no Americans and no allies behind. Trump knew Taliban couldn't be trusted to keep the agreement and also committed to blow them to smithereens if they defaulted.

 
2) Biden did the opposite claiming it was all Trump's plan, and therefore his fault. In July Biden said it would be no Saigon--what he gave us was worse, so I suppose he delivered. Biden GAVE the Taliban the whole TABLE.

3) The country, the military, the air force the Taliban didn't have and Billions and Billions of armaments so they can control the middle east including Israel which all Muslims, particularly the fundamentalists wish to destroy were a gift from Biden.

4) Washington Post (mostly the beltway and Democrats) loyalists are so naive and gullible. They've always been so critical of Trump supporters, and now look like toddlers in a race against seasoned Olympians. No Trump supporter, even those who stormed the capitol on January 6, would fall for this.

Duck and cover. Washington Post Biden coverage

Here's how Washington Post describes Biden's Afghanistan fiasco: "The president embraces a cautious worldview that prizes alliances but also narrows the aperture of American influence, with greater attention on domestic concerns." Huh? This isn't just a lap dog media; it's a lap up dog excrement media.

A rose by any other name. . . guest blogger

To the people who want to claim CRT is not being taught in schools: I was a Social Justice mouthpiece for 20 years. A true believer. I’m not some noob you can speak lies to and intimidate. I’ve seen you talk down to parents, condescend to them, bully them, use pseudo-intellectual jargon to tell them they don’t know what they’re talking about. All the academic jargon in the world can’t cover the fact that teaching kids to judge and treat one another differently on the basis of race is wrong.

 The only reason y’all are running scared from CRT now is because the pushback on it has been effective. Same way y’all ran scared from SJW once enough people started correctly identifying it as something bad & racist, like they’re doing with CRT.

You can call it CRT, Intersectionality, Anti-Racism, Social Justice, DEI, and try to play a shell game based on public perception of the different terms but we are coming for ALL of them. There’s not one you can hide behind. So go ahead, call it DEI this time. I don’t care. It’s not actually about Diversity or Inclusion, though it is about Equity.

It’s racism, it’s vile and we will defeat it.

Keri Smith

Why do you still trust the Democrats?

The Democrats, led by Biden/Harris, are depicting Trump supporters as dangerous terrorists. In June they unveiled a 'national strategy for countering domestic terrorism,' i.e., blaming 80 million Trump supporters to keep your eye off the border crisis. Of course, this isn't new. Nancy Pelosi and Maxine Waters called us terrorists all during the 4 years Trump was trying to drain their swamp. 50% of American voters. Yet they are importing infected border crossers while asking us to mask up and lockdown, and they are abandoning our allies in Afghanistan. They are cooperating, even encouraging, Big Tech to shut us down. Donald Trump can’t use Twitter, but the Taliban can—even bragging about who they are killing and trying to recruit silly minded liberals to their cause. 

Biden's fossil fuel follly

Trump had us oil independent, and now Biden . . . well, you know what he's been doing with the Leftist anti-fossil fuel folk.

"OPEC and its allies, including Russia, believe oil markets do not need more oil than they plan to release in the coming months, despite U.S. pressure to add supplies to check an oil price rise, four sources told Reuters."

OPEC+ Sees No Need to Meet US Call for More (oedigital.com)

"Major U.S. oil industry groups on Monday sued the Biden administration for halting drilling auctions on federal lands and waters this year, arguing the government is required by law to hold regular sales." (Offshore Engineer)

Oil Industry Groups Sue Biden Administration over (oedigital.com)

Preacher of the Week

John Ed Mathison is our preacher of the week at Lakeside. Before retiring at 70, he was senior minister at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, AL for 36 years. It grew from 400 to 9,000. Now at 83 he has a busy schedule of training ministers and speaking at conferences. Today he mentioned something I know I'd heard before, but he said they surveyed 800 of their new members to find out how they got to the church. 92% were brought by a friend or neighbor. That's probably the case for most churches. https://johnedmathison.org/ He has a blog and a radio spot called "Got a minute" in which he shares his faith and humor for 58 seconds on secular stations.

How Biden defeats the vaccine

A person we care about is in the hospital with Covid.  He began feeling ill on Sunday and Monday night was having trouble breathing, so his wife called the squad.  He's tested positive for Covid, but until then, they had no idea this was the cause.  He's on oxygen, but not a ventilator as I understand it, although his wife can't see him. so we're not positive.  Yes, he and his wife were vaccinated in February.  However, he lives in  a border state where the Biden administration has been making it very easy to non-Americans to cross the border.  Yes, some may be sent back, but according to some reports 40% are testing positive.  Shame on Biden and his duplicity--telling Americans to get vaccinated while shipping in the virus along with the drugs, crime and prostitution. 

Table for two, posted on FB as Ted Nugent

Hello.
Hi, table for two, please.
Sure, and your name.
Jessie.
Great. And do you and your guest have your vaccination cards?
We do. Can you tell us who our server will be?
Um, looks like Brad will be your server tonight.
Great. Can you show us Brad's vaccination card?
Um...
And also, can you provide me with proof that Brad is not a carrier of HIV, Hepatitis A or B, or any other communicable diseases?
Um...
Also, we would prefer not to be served by someone who is on or uses recreational drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, meth, fentanyl, etc, so if you could provide us with Brad's most recent tox screen, that would be great.
Um... Let me get the manager for you.
That would be great, thanks.

Why do we give?

Six years ago I wrote this thought about giving, alms, charity, and mercy and the long term benefits.

"I read the Columbus Catholic Times, a hand off from a family friend. I'm learning a lot. Just this week I noticed a difference in how Catholics and Protestants use the concept of giving. Catholics suggest "works of mercy" or "works of charity," and Protestants say we will change poverty, schooling, politics, the environment, etc. if we just chip in $10 for the food pantry, or a backpack for Highland school child, or cleaning up a town after a flood or tornado. There's a huge difference. We are to give because Jesus gave first, not because we will end poverty (we won't) or make up for the terrible home of a child (we can't). According to Matt. 25, we will meet Jesus in those acts of kindness and service, so we do them without expecting the reward of change. Meeting Jesus is the reward."

Texas takes stand on sexual abuse of children through surgery

One should be an adult before choosing for no medical reason a double mastectomy or penectomy with castration and a lifetime on toxic hormones. In fact, I can't even show you a video of the procedure without first declaring my age to some faceless guard at YouTube! I think the medical team and parents colluding on this should lose their license to practice medicine and to parent. The trans agenda can't even agree on terms--it's no longer a sex change, it's not even sex reassignment, it's gender affirmation. How's that for lipstick on a pig.

Texas determines sex-change surgery for minors is child abuse - TheBlaze

ABA (American Booksellers Association) which is even more liberal than ALA (American Library Association) has profusely apologized for outraging its members by sending out "Irreversible Damage," by Abigail Shrier, an extremely well researched and sensible book which includes the premise that there is a social contagion effect of young girls rushing into invasive transition surgeries and medical interventions for gender dysphoria that they are likely to regret later. Listen up sensible people--there is no honor, no common sense, no tolerance for the truth and certainly no freedom of thought, speech or religion on the Left. 

Just say NO to idiocy.

After Trans Activists Try To Ban Book, It Becomes A Bestseller (thefederalist.com)

My walking routine--no rain today

No one has ever accused me of being an athlete, but I do walk 2 miles every morning along the lake front and maybe another 2-3 miles during the day. Or maybe it's a stroll. However, this morning on my walk I fell in step with a younger woman, about 65 maybe, and she was really stepping. I changed my pace because we live on the same street and it seemed rude to fall down on a park bench to catch my breath. I barely made it to my front porch before I collapsed.

Ike warned us in 1961

When Democrats like Pelosi or Schumer piously mouth the words, "Our Democracy," it's not because they are patriots who are in awe of American exceptionalism or America the leader of the free world. No. They really mean "Our Oligarchy." They definitely don't mean Conservatives, Republicans or Libertarians. Ike warned us about government leaders like them 60 years ago--and at the time I thought only of the military, not being able to see our future relationship and a McCarthy-like control by leftists in Congress and Big Tech, which is bigger and more powerful than the military was in the 1960s. But his warning about government married to private business holds. Corporate power now pulls the strings of government, intent on "transforming" (destroying) our Republic.  When Big Tech has the power to shut down the President of the United States, The Commander in Chief of the military, then it's more powerful than the President or the military. Interpretation: Commander in Chief Clause | The National Constitution Center

 
"President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had come to understand large organizations that feed on government power and dispense vast private benefits, was not shy in warning about the danger they pose to the republic. His warning about the “military-industrial complex” that he knew so well is often misunderstood as a mere caution against militarism. But Ike was making a broader point: Amalgams of public and private power tend to prioritize their corporate interests over the country’s.

That is why Eisenhower cautioned against the power of government-funded expertise. “The prospect of domination of the nation’s scholars by federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever-present and is gravely to be regarded,” he said, because “public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.” Government money can accredit a self-regarding elite. Because “a government contract becomes virtually a substitute for intellectual curiosity,” government experts can end up substituting their power for truth. " (We the People Convention) America is now a Classic Oligarchy - Not a Republic! | We the People Convention | wethepeopleconvention.org

  

  

From The Nation, 

August rain showers

 This morning I started out on my 2 mile walk (sort of a loop, and I'm probably exaggerating).  I stopped at a near-by "little library" and selected a book, "Nutribullet. Life changing recipes."  They lie.  I have one and it didn't change my life.  I went back and dropped it on our front porch rather than walk with it, then headed south to Fourth Street.  I'd gone about 3 blocks (stopping at another little library) when I felt a few sprinkles.  So I turned around and walked about a block to the Idlewylde Bed and Breakfast and sat on the porch for awhile.  When it stopped, I decided to go north along the lake, dawdled a while in the Walnut Street business district, and headed for the dock.  The sky over Kelley's Island was purple.  I thought that meant the rain had gone north over the lake.  No.  I waited at the pavilion for the storm to pass along with 3 fishermen and a dog walker I see every morning.

The Lakeside mission is to enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values and nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth which we call the four pillars--spiritual, intellectual, cultural and physical--while preserving Lakeside's heritage.  For almost 150 years (established as a campground in 1873) Lakeside has welcomed all ages to its beautiful grounds on the shore of Lake Erie, west of Cleveland and east of Toledo, and two and half hours from our home in Columbus. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Paces. Our little town has more than 900 private cottages which we own (lease) with 99 year leases. The non-profit organization, officially called "Lakeside Association" owns more than 50 structures, four major parks, and a large waterfront area for recreational water sports and fishing. There are cottages for rent, bed and breakfasts for brief stays, two hotels, and a campground for seasonal or overnight stays. Our little town is supported in part by assessing the cottage owners and through gate fees for all who enter from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day. This way all who enter are able to enjoy our many recreational and educational events at the lakefront, the playgrounds and parks, the pool and wellness center, tennis courts, pickleball and shuffleboard courts, education and religious programs and lectures, entertainment in Hoover Auditorium by name performers and local groups, the Steele Memorial Bandstand in the park, and our wonderful Rhein Center for the Living Arts and the beautiful lakefront pavilion (built in 1909 and rebuilt in 1988) for enjoying sunsets and sunrises, concerts and worship. Most of the businesses in Lakeside are seasonal and include restaurants, a real estate and rental office, dress and gift shops, a wonderful book store, ice cream, coffee and carry out spots, and a beauty shop. There are many active organizations and volunteers that support the community from art teachers, to shuttle drivers, to garden helpers, to ushers and greeters. We also have a museum and archives to keep us grounded in our history.  

Our first summer at Lakeside was 1974 when our children, Phoebe and Phil, were 6 and 5 years old. We rented various cottages near the lake until 1988 when we purchased a small, year round house built in 1944 surrounded by wonderful neighbors from around the country. We went from one week rentals, to two weeks, to partial summer to full season Lakesiders after we retired over a 47 year period. Lakeside and the near-by Marblehead Lighthouse have presented many opportunities for subjects to paint as well as a place to teach at the Rhein Center for the Living Arts. 

El Paso, surviving a tragedy

One of the most unfortunate outcomes of the pandemic and lockdown is the division, even hatred, it has generated in our country, churches, and relationships--politically, spiritually, and physically. I appreciated this blog by Carrie Bucalo, who wrote about how El Paso came together to pray and work to heal after a shooting on August 3, 2019 that killed 23 at a Walmart wreaked havoc on the community. I scrolled through about 20-30 articles (mainly on the 2nd anniversary of the tragedy) and found only the usual ramping up of hate, alarm, anger, pleas for more gun control laws, and blame from NYT, LAT, NPR, CNN, and local news. The "never waste a crisis" usual suspects. I didn't browse FB, Twitter or the other cesspools of hate on the internet. It's as though the media can't be sated; it must have more blood to meet the budget and needs of stockholders.

Jesus has a different way.

CITY OF FAITH
by Carrie Bucalo

"There are many things that can weigh a marriage and a family down, but nothing could have prepared us for the day a gunman showed up at our local Walmart and wreaked havoc on our El Paso community. It was our eldest son's birthday, and a miracle, really, that we weren't in that store buying a present the morning the shootings occurred.

Immediately, my husband and I called everyone we knew, and we received phone calls from worried family members and friends all around the world [she's a military wife]. My heart sank when I saw my children's school on national television. It had become the reunification center for all those misplaced by the tragedy. We watched the story unfold from our living room as our school's principal, counselors, and staff worked behind the scenes, attending to the needs of survivors, all the while preparing for the first day of school, just nine days away.

We prayed for the survivors and the victims at Mass the next day, and we attended a city-led prayer vigil. It was amazing to see a city come together like that, and even more amazing to see the smiling faces of our school's principal and teachers on the first day of school. Against all odds, they were there with open arms and open hearts to welcome everyone back. My family is deeply grateful for all of those mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers who didn't let hate paralyze their faith. Their witness is still moving mountains today." Articles (healedbytruth.com)

Using aborted baby parts in medical research

Can you really trust science and scientists? Recent revelations by the Center for Medical Progress show how scientists used scalps from aborted babies to create “humanized” mice and rats to study the human immune system. BREAKING: University of Pittsburgh ADMITS Hearts Beating While Harvesting Aborted Infants’ Kidneys – The Center for Medical Progress I looked through the NIH forms for the grants to use baby parts for medical research and wondered about the long chain of experts, from language to enumeration to composing the agreements between NIH and University of Pittsburgh (and I'm sure many others). If I read this correctly, there is great care in assuring that the lab animals received "humane" care. Too bad the babies didn't.

Government-Funded Researchers Sought Aborted Minorities for Organ Harvesting (freebeacon.com)

NIH reverses Trump-era restrictions on fetal-tissue research (nature.com)

Scientists are Growing Aborted Baby Hair on Lab Rats - The DENISE SIMON EXPERIENCE (founderscode.com)

Here's what it reads like in medical, sanitized, safe jargon (I've removed the footnote numbers, but those lead you to other studies): "Humanized mouse models with human fetal-derived hematopoietic system and autologous lymphoid tissues are well-established. Additionally, full-thickness human fetal skin readily engrafts onto immunodeficient mice and develops into adult-like skin due to its high regenerative capability. Furthermore, human fetal skin exhibits low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II expression, which results in reduced immunogenicity compared to adult skin. Thus, human fetal-derived tissues and cells provide a feasible means to develop a humanized mouse model with autologous human skin and immune system."

For longer term studies, rats are used: "Evidence also suggests that nude rats support engraftment and development of full-thickness neonatal foreskin." https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-71548-z

Fixing little leaks

I cut and pasted this from Joan Shaw Turrentine's post and she got it from the Facebook page “Christians Laughing.”

 
A man was asked to paint a boat. He brought his paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him.

While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.

When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice check, much higher than the payment for painting.

The painter was surprised and said “You've already paid me for painting the boat Sir!”

“But this is not for the paint job. It's for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service... certainly it's not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened:

“When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole.

“When the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip.

“They did not know that there was a hole. I was not at home at that time.

“When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole.

“Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing.

“Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!

“You see, now, what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your 'small' good deed.”

So no matter who, when or how, continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively, and carefully repair all the 'leaks' you find. You never know when one is in need of us, or when God holds a pleasant surprise for us to be helpful and important to someone.

Along the way, you may have repaired numerous 'boat holes' for several people without realizing how many lives you've save. 

Make a difference....be the best you can be ...

Have a blessed day