With the lead up to Independence Day and the 250 year celebrations well underway, I am using this daily to review one of the most important documents written in history in this author’s opinion.

One more time, let’s a look back at the author of the Declaration of Independence. Let’s venture into the mind of Thomas Jefferson as he wrote it and pay close attention to the immortal words that give definition to mankind in our great nation. The same words that every founding father who signed the document left untouched that flowed from TJ’s mind to the pen and onto the paper.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

In my opinion, those are two of the most important and world shaking paragraphs ever written outside of the words of the Bible.

We need to better understand Thomas Jefferson as a person at age 33. We have questions. Why did he write these words the way he did? Why did all fifty five of the other founding fathers sign the document as written without change in that section? Knowing that may offer clues about its content. Knowing that might reveal who our nation is envisioned to be.

Perspective

To begin we need to consider what the childhood of young Thomas was like. What events and people helped influence him to write those words?

I contend that his parents, Peter and Jane, laid the groundwork for his beliefs with how they approached life and raised him. The hands that rocked the cradle, who introduced him to open dealings and helping all people regardless of station in life and culture, were the guiding force. The parents who introduced and routinely broke bread in their home with their friend, Ostenaco, the prominent Cherokee Chief, as well as associated with the early patriots in the area who became vitally important to the independence movement. These neighboring colonists made great impressions on him. These same parents worked hard, became guardians of the children of a deceased friend for a number of years, and operated both plantations during the period. They kept order in their home, on the properties, among the slaves and in their business dealings. These were the people who made sure the children of both families were educated by tutors, taught music and art, and encouraged to be well read even though neither had personally been given that opportunity in their youths. They were often seen enjoying community dances and events as a family.

For more insight, review the following from Wiki that was recorded byThomas Jefferson from his student days at William and Mary College:

While in Williamsburg, Timberlake and Ostenaco attended a dinner party at William & Mary College at which Ostenaco professed his desire to meet the king of England. A young Thomas Jefferson, then a student at the college, later wrote of Ostenaco:

“I knew much of the great Outassete (Ostenaco), the warrior and orator of the Cherokee. He was always the guest of my father on his journeys to and from Williamsburg. I was in his camp when he made his great farewell oration to his people the evening before he departed for England. The moon was in full splendour, and to her he seemed to address himself in his prayers for his own safety on the voyage and that of his people during his absence. His sounding voice, distinct articulation, animated action, and the solemn silence of his people at their several fires, filled me with awe and veneration, although I did not understand a single word he uttered.”

You can see from their actions and words that Thomas and his parents exhibited selfless, giving attitudes and actions not unlike those that many of our founding fathers and mothers gave our young nation years later.

This upbringing led to his acceptance of all people regardless of who they were, their culture or their beliefs. It developed a curiosity to learn more, grow, build relationships and to have a strong work ethic. It was an easy transition for Thomas to become a supporter of the Enlightenment movement as he entered William & Mary and the law firm mentorship that awaited him at an impressionable age after his father died.

This Age of Enlightenment period produced an intellectual movement in Europe during the late 17th to the late 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individual liberty over tradition and religious authority. This led to new ideas in philosophy, politics, and science; which in turn led to major social and political changes.

The colonies became fertile ground for the movement within education and leadership circles. It was also a study in contrasts that Thomas noted and adapted into his own observations and writings. The first Great Awakening of Christianity in the colonies had been initiated by Jonathon Edwards and continued by George Whitefield, John Wesley and others. The two life changing movements were basically occurring during the same period and awakening the minds and souls of colonists to a desire for better relations with all people. They sparked the fire that later raged within the hearts of American patriots.

Once again, we see the patriot movement leading to the formation of a new nation with a unique system of governing while running parallel with the increasing commitment of the patriots to Christianity and its principles.

Hand meet glove.

The Declaration of Independence reflects both Enlightenment and Christian principles within the content of the writing of Thomas Jefferson. The authority of God over nations and peoples is stated as well as the authority and responsibility of mankind to rule itself and throw off oppressive governments.

As it applies to the colonies, in summary, Thomas was convinced that all mankind was quite capable of leading and governing themselves reasonably without dependence on Kings, royalty, and oppressive totalitarian forms of government. He had become a lawyer under the training and mentorship of George Wythe, learned science and governing philosophies of royal Governor Francis Fauquier, as well as increasing knowledge about medicine and empiricism from William Small. He developed a close friendship and association for life with future Constitution framer and POTUS, James Madison. Jefferson did not even feel the need to return from his post in France to work on and sign the Constitution because of the connection between the two men. All of these relationships provided major influence and support that informed his thought processes. He had become a scholar of many areas of life during those times.

He was also well in tune with the common man and truly listened and observed. The obvious evidence of this was the huge margin of victory in his second term election to POTUS, a margin that has never been repeated in election history for the position. His popularity as well as that of Madison led to the formation of the Jeffersonian Republican Party, which was formally known as the Democratic-Republican Party, and control of Congress as well as the POTUS for over two decades. The common people loved Thomas Jefferson and knew he had their backs.

It is with this understanding, along with his quiet observations from the words of other founding fathers during those days in Independence Hall that he authored those opening words above that set the basis for American life forever. The references to God are numerous as well as mankind’s responsibilities to each other. This sets the tone for the entire document.

There exists a sadness in the recognition that “all men are created equal” did not mean slaves of any skin color or culture at that point in our nation’s history. That came later and nearly all of the founding fathers expressed their understanding that the end of the practice was coming. However, Thomas recognized the plight of the enslaved and treated his own with compassion that including educating and keeping them together as families, while releasing them later in his life as society accepted it. In fact, despite his own wealth and standing in our national affairs, the aristocratic elites were never comfortable with Thomas Jefferson and his views of the world as I discussed in American Stories.

What It Means

To determine what it means to us 250 years later, we need to apply the words to our nation and lives today. Do any of the words we read sound temporary or only applicable to the times of that Revolutionary War period? Are there universal truths layered within that are timeless and interconnected with today?

Until the final two sentences of the subject text presented above there is no particular mention of the actual oppressors of Great Britain and the King. The words describe conditions that dictate actions by the people to produce better circumstances and consequences. There is no mention of class, station, race, culture, etc. of the people to which it applied. It might as well have been written for a different place, nation and time as it was then for the colonies.

That means that he and the signers viewed the text could be universally applied to this nation no matter the conditions or time period. Which coincidently, is exactly what has happened over the period and is happening within the America First MAGA movement today. The oppression from the cabal’s New World Order, Rules Based Order and other coercive attacks on humanity is being cast off as the Crown was cast off 243 years ago with the end of the war using this same understanding.

As the Declaration text indicates, it is our duty as American citizens to cast off all oppression and renew our government back into the principles of our founding documents in the spirit of our unanimously united signers of the Declaration of Independence.

As a personal observation, Thomas Jefferson and I have major differences in thought unrelated to the big picture of nation building and the Declaration. I am certain I would have found myself on the side of Alexander Hamilton relating to the economy and our nation’s business growth. From my many years in business and banking I am certain that innovation and manufacturing are primary drivers of wealth creation and it matters little who does the investing into our country as long as they do it The American Way and We the People receive great benefit.

That understanding is probably why I fully support the approach #45-47 has been charting and with most other initiatives he has undertaken. He is the most consequential POTUS since Abraham Lincoln in my opinion. The parallels regarding education, accomplishments and orientation toward all peoples from his youth throughout life is remarkable. The support of We the People for him is similar to Jefferson. He has our backs, we have his.

I look forward to the addition of his image on Mount Rushmore; joining the great Thomas Jefferson.

Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.

Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.

IF they were wise and not given over to sinful pursuits of the world;

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (KJV)

Jesus taught us to be as kind as possible to everyone we are in contact with in our lives because that emulates God the Father and how he treats all of us. He shares the sun, the rain, and the harvest with everybody regardless of them being good or bad, or that they are a believer or unbeliever.

Were those who reject Him wise, they would look to the beautiful creation around them and praise God for His love.

Were they wise, the unbelievers and skeptics would look to the endless heavens and see the magnificent intelligent design of something far too beautiful and complex to fully understand and explain with our limited minds; and then praise an Almighty God for His creation.

Were they wise, all of the heathen, narcissistic, and self absorbed people in the world would stop and thank God for their beating hearts, breathing lungs, and thoughtful brains.

God’s goodness is displayed openly for all to see. Many people go through life blind to Him, missing the gifts while thrashing about wildly seeking what they believe will satisfy the unquenchable thirst in their beings.

These are the people who need kindness the most. They need to see and hear us give God the praise for His power and love. Yet, standing for God and pointing out His goodness to an unbelieving world can be more of a challenge, especially when we have close relationships who seem to reject it.

The opposed to God and His ways need to discover for themselves the error of their choices through how the believers live around them. In that manner they may grow wiser and might recognize and acknowledge they have been wrong and repent.

In The Days Of Noah

It may seem a stretch to consider that the current path of the world has led to conditions that were present when God declared He had seen enough and brought the sin and evil to an end. Yet, here we are and no, it does not appear to be a stretch. The drumbeats of war, disease, natural and unnaturally caused catastrophes, sexual perversions, perceived gender dysphoria, child abuse and sacrifice, human trafficking of slaves, lovers of money, drug addictions, hatred and violence against groupings of people and cultures, worshippers of false and and pagan gods with their religions, and on and on and on. The evidence of wickedness is spread throughout the world and everybody is touched by it to some extent. Some of us on here lament the choices that even family members and friends make that we know will bring pain or even their destruction.

God chose Noah and members of his immediate family for a restart of mankind and a cleansing of the earth. For this story if you do not remember it or have not read it, please read the scripture found in Genesis 6:9 – 9:17. You can change the version from NKJV as you prefer.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%206%3A9-9%3A17&version=NKJV

Noah was not like Jesus. He was not sinless. However, he was judged by God as righteous. So what is the difference between those two terms? We probably need to know since no human being beyond Jesus, who was both God and man, has been sinless. He who was without sin was sent to earth for the purpose of reconciling mankind to God. As The Word tells us, He desires that none be lost. That demonstrates how much God hates sin, yet, loves us, His created beings.

Being judged righteous by God is something all believers should seek, that Noah was in spades. Place yourself in his position. You are living and located in an incredibly evil region of the world that has no belief and understanding about the God you worship. You are the middle aged patriarch of a family that includes a wife and three sons along with their wives. The Biblical account does not tell us if the sons and their wives also had children prior to The Flood.

One day, in great detail down to materials and measurements, you receive a clear instruction from God to build a huge float boat without propulsion of any type, a covered animal party barge of sorts. You learn that God, whom you have always trusted and worshipped despite the ridicule and wickedness around you, is over it all with mankind. He tells you that with the exception of who and what you are to bring aboard the ark all else are going to die. He makes a covenant that you and your family will survive.

Upon hearing this, you decide you better get started. Why? You do so because you completely believe and trust God, whom you have worshipped, believed and walked with during your life. You know from His words He means business. You tell your sons and the wives who then begin to do what you instruct from His instructions to you.

I can just imagine the stank eyes they gave you when you explained the task and who commanded it to be done. But they get busy and do as instructed.

Next, think about how long that project took using tools and methods from the period and using a limited labor pool. Mind blowing. Scholars are not sure, but the overall consensus time range is that it took 40 to 100 years. That meant decades of ridicule and scoffing from the wicked area population toward the village idiot, Noah, along with his family for building a huge boat on very dry land.

Noah could later claim he who laughs last, laughs best, especially as they came running to convince him to let them come on board as the heavy rains fell and the flooding began. However, his blameless life tells us that it was doubtful that he laughed and none were allowed to join him.

That is some major league faith exhibited in an evil world that had grieved God to the point of bringing about the near extinction of life. Noah’s response is a perfect depiction of the righteousness that God ascribed to him.

Righteousness as defined in Merriam-Webster for this application:

“acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin“

That would fit Noah except he was not without sin and that was even demonstrated post flood as the story in Genesis unfolded. We see from this that using secular sources to define God things is not necessarily the way to go. Below is a good description of the term from a Christian sense.

https://www.gotquestions.org/righteousness.html

Post death and resurrection of Jesus, we who accept Him as our Savior are judged to be righteous in God’s view. But how does that square with the condition of a sinful Noah being judged righteous in times prior to Jesus?

It lies in the interpretation of the term in the Hebrew Torah, known as the Pentateuch to Christians, which is the first five books in the Old Testament of our Bible. Noah was deemed righteous by God as the one who was blameless in the wicked period in which he lived. It appears he did not speak out against the evil around him, however, he did not participate in it and walked with God daily. The full measure of righteousness of God did not appear on the earth until thousands of years later in the person of Jesus Christ.

From the times of Noah forward the faithful remnant of followers of God becomes a theme concerning the Hebrews throughout the Bible and has continued throughout world history.

Which leads to the heart of man. For us, post Jesus, that means how our heart is turned toward God and accomplishing His will. It’s personal. In short, do we love and trust Him? Do we accept the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus for our own salvation from the flood of our sin? Do we respond to our belief and salvation with actions that reflect the relationship?

Donald J. Trump

Some may say, “Trade, you are losing your mind here.” That’s OK, I get accused of that often. 😂

Honestly, in your lifetime have you ever witnessed anything like you are now seeing on the world stage or in the history books? Peace making through strength that is unparalleled in magnitude is occurring.

Go back in time, would all of the evil we have seen in the world in more recent times have existed if our world leaders had adhered to Godly principles and lived under God’s providence? We know the answer.

Donald J. Trump appears to be a man chosen by God to accomplish His will for America and the world. We can debate whether he is an instrument or a servant of God. However, it seems America has seen this happen before in its 250 years and the same debate about instrument or servant could be held. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and others have all been raised up when the times demanded it, yet, had questions, detractors and enemies.

I contend that We the People made a covenant with God at our founding. Our founding fathers were not like most of the more recent crop of politicians. The current bunch most closely resemble the unprincipled, evil politicians of the ancient Roman Senate during that body’s more darker periods. Our founders were serious people who had real skin in the game. They quickly hit the enemies list of the then world superpower, Great Britain.

Which is just like Donald J. Trump has in our times; except his listing on enemy lists is far more wide ranging and includes a larger number of traitors and seditionists within our own borders.

In essence our founders asked for God’s dominion over us. His obvious responses through the years have proven He honors the relationship, the covenant. The evidence is in the raising up of leaders and movements when our choice has been to remain faithful. It is also in the discipline we received when collectively most did not and turned from him. This is similar to what has happened with His chosen people of Israel. I am not suggesting He is equating or replacing them with us. Instead. it appears that we have been taken into His care by our faith and dedication of this nation to His Providence. He accepted our intent and hearts then, He continues to honor the intent and hearts of the faithful We the People today.

Once again, please take time to read the last paragraph of our Declaration of Independence.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Do not fear.

Think about it.

Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.

Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.

I hope Memorial Day weekend brought enjoyment, remembrance and peace for all. We remember our fallen military heroes who gave all for every American. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Providential restoration is well underway in America. Patriotism and God have reentered into the conversations of We the People in major ways without reservation. You see it in the enlistment ranks swelling and in the return to church pews. One way we also see it openly displayed is our overwhelming economic success with the return to America First principles. That includes the vanquishing of many criminal operations in the country, which is also well underway.

However, today’s daily is a lighter take on where we are as a country. We will attack the remaining items on my America First agenda in the coming weeks.

It is kind of amusing to me at least to state the following. I always can tell when the economy has turned and the average American is ignoring the fake news. Everybody is well aware why fuel prices have temporarily soared and increased the cost of the usual stuff they buy. They also know there are no shortages of fuel in America at all. So instead of hunkering down and buying into fake news media fear porn they are going about their lives, which includes having fun. How I know all will be fine is due to golf balls.

😄

Golf And Prosperity

Yeah, I know, it is the usual TradeBait BS. Bear with me, I have a point or two to make… eventually.

I love golf. I play it when the ole back lets me even as I grow more and more “elderly”. I taught the game and a good swing to Daughter, grandkids, other young people through the years. Wifey gave up trying to play, however, enjoys watching the sport with me. I have followed the PGA Tour on the tube since my youth. Being a former Middie, I grew up idolizing golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, as my sports hero. Our family could not afford the cost of playing the game much during those days, so my opportunity to play regularly had to be deferred until I became a young adult.

Over the years that followed I have played many quality courses in many states. I have played in pro-ams locally. At one time I was a member of an area golf club (not a country club) whose family that owned it had a club pro son who qualified and played in the U. S. Open and PGA Championship a couple of times as well as some events on the PGA Senior, now Champions Tour. A local retired former Senior Tour pro helped me work on the swing of Daughter as a young child. She had a natural swing as a 3 year old with great hand/eye coordination. She just needed to work on basic grip, stance, etc. stuff.

As I stated in a previous BIMD story, Daughter played in high school events that included a future tournament winning PGA Pro (now medically retired), Scott Stallings. A female teammate of Daughter’s in high school played for America in the Junior Ryder Cup. Other male teammates of hers went on to compete on area college teams.

This love for golf led to us buying our current home in a small PUD along a public golf course in our area as I semi-retired and Daughter entered community college and later joined the workforce. Over the years a few other retirees and I got together and formed an Old Farts Foursome. We played a couple times per week until the other guys hit their 80’s and their bodies said no more. All three are still able to do about anything else they want and I attribute part of it to being active in the sport all those years while being outside in the sun having fun with buddies.

I am now teaching grandsons #1 and #2 to play. When I am unavailable Daughter can teach them equally well. Daughter and I could still go to about any course in America and each shoot under 80 for 18 holes. After retirement with more free time available my personal golf handicap dropped to a 2 in my early 60’s even playing from the tips (back/championship tees). Daughter has been busy having and rearing babies in more recent times, but she can still pick up a club and rifle the ball down the fairway without a warm-up or practice. When the granddaughter gets a bit older and less dependent, Daughter and I plan to hit the links more often together as long as my health holds up.

Did I say I love golf? Yeah, pretty sure I did. A lot of people do in America. Which leads to…

Golf Balls

I have 50 years of experience hitting golf balls. I have seen the evolution of the ball over the entire time. Yes, I know the difference in a two piece solid core, three piece wound ball and balata balls of yesteryear compared to the current four and even five piece balls with various mantles inside and Surlyn or Ionomer covers. I know compressions and who should play which compression. Even dimple patterns to reduce drag and increase/decrease spin have evolved until more emphasis was placed by the rule makers to standardize. All of which has led to discussions today about more limits on golf balls since their improved performance has led to many golf courses become too easy for better players. It is easier and far less costly to rein in golf ball performance than it is to add distance and course enhancements to keep the challenges necessary for the game to be challenging. My sports idol says to address the problems through the golf ball, not through the costly golf course design changes. He knows, all of the pros and better amateur golfers know.

For example, Wyndham Clark won the CJ CUP Byron Nelson PGA tournament this past weekend at -30. That means he shot 30 strokes under par, which is 30 better than the course layout indicated it should be played by a scratch (0 handicap) golfer. That was after the course ownership commissioned changes and paid millions of dollars to the course to lengthen and make it more difficult the previous year. To some degree that happens because of the players being better trained and prepared than yesteryear. However, primarily it is because of greatly improved tech relating to equipment and especially the golf ball.

As a result of my experience and understanding I know who makes the best golf balls and why most tour pros still play Titleist Pro V-1 balls over the other quality pro level balls on the market. I like that ball, however, my favorite today is the Callaway Tour Chrome because it adapts better to individual swing speeds, especially for older golfers, while still providing exceptional performance around the greens.

But Titleist Pro V-1 balls are still the gold standard for pros and amateurs alike, partially due to their performance and consistency as well as partially due to international marketing of the brand. Amateur golfers who can not break 100 play them due to their excellent marketing and promotion. However, the same is true with other expensive, pro level golf balls made by Taylormade, Srixxon, Bridgestone, Maxfli, Callaway, etc. Why pay for and play a pro level ball when you are a mediocre to poor weekend golfer who loses them in rapid succession? I honestly do not know why some people are that dense in the head.

Which leads to why golf balls reveal the real condition of our economy in TradeBait’s mind.

Golfing And Economy

When times are tough and the economy is struggling, golfers still play the game when they can. It becomes an addiction. Hit one great golf shot in a round and you HAVE to come back another day and do it again or even hit more than one. You are chasing that dream of one day being a guy or gal who can shoot par or better for 18 holes at least once in your life. Or maybe you are chasing that dream of someday hitting a hole in one. You dream of making that one perfect swing and watching the ball flying through the air, fall to the green and roll straight into the hole. For us oldsters, a worthy goal is to shoot your age or lower. If any of those events happen it is heaven on earth for golfers!

But assume troubling economic times and the cash being in shorter supply. So you go to Wally World and buy the $10-20 a dozen specials or a bag of renewed former water balls. You may even dig out the old scuffed or found balls from other times you played. You head to the course, pay your not so cheap green fees. If they allow it, maybe you choose to walk the course instead of paying for that rental golf cart. You just need to get your fix in. What happens next is what is revealing.

Living along the fairway in very close proximity to our local course has led to our home being struck by golf balls routinely over the past couple of decades. We and many of our neighbors even had to add super screened cages to protect our windows along with a netting along our top deck to prevent from getting hit when on it. The course is public play and there are golfers who play it regularly who are beginners, duffers and rank amateurs. Some grab beer at the clubhouse and begin firing away indiscriminately. It is a price we have paid to live here and have the convenience of a low cost, decent course to play at our back door; while enjoying the peace and beautiful sunsets over the course and scenery every evening after the course closes.

These experiences have led to the following observations.

The first indicator of the state of the economy is how often our houses gets hit in golf season. More is better for the economy. It means Average Joe and Jane can afford to play. Quieter times are worrisome.

The second indicator is how many golfers use rented carts versus walkers. The more carts that are rented the better the economy. Average Joe and Jane are generally overweight and not in sports fitness shape. They want to play faster, drink more beer, and get home to that NASCAR race. They have the cash to pay the cart fees, which are not cheap. The course we live along uses gas carts, not battery carts. They are not obnoxious, but we do hear them fire up as they make their way around the course. The more we hear them, the better the economy. The less they are used the more troubled are the economic times. So a quiet golf course is not good.

The third indicator is the type balls the golfers play. When times are tough they play more recycled, scuffed up and off brand balls. They cut costs as much as they can. When times are good it is the opposite. We know by the brand and type of ball we find. The top balls are expensive, some topping $5 a ball. It is a ball that can disappear or become unusable with one bad swing of a club, yet, average Joe and Jane are willing to play and lose them in good times. Of course Average Joe does not really believe he is as bad as he is. It’s a guy thing. He gets some beer in him and thinks he can take on Tiger Woods. Maybe he can when Tiger is busy extricating himself from his latest car wreck.

The fourth indicator is the clubhouse parking lot. There are less golfers when times are bad and when they do come they do not tarry at the clubhouse. They play faster and drink less beer. The opposite happens when times are good. The parking lot is filled with vehicles more hours of every day. They hang around the clubhouse shooting the shit, play the video golf swing training simulator equipment, drink more beer, etc.

The fifth indicator is how many balls we residents find in our yards. Golfers are not supposed to go on private property, but some do anyway. When times are tough we see more of them on properties looking for their and other balls. They can be very testy if we ask them to vacate the premises. More than once the deputies have been called when things escalated with a drunk golfer got belligerent who thought he could do whatever he wanted including hitting their golf balls from our yards. When times are good, they are pleasant to talk with and just move on without even looking for an errantly struck ball. Some pretend they did not hit it in a yard. As a result we find many more quality balls in our yards. Which means ole Trade doesn’t have to go to Wally World or anywhere else to buy them.

🤣

The Verdict

Over the years it has become obvious to me how golfing relates to the economy. Golfing is something people can live without during tough times unless the golfer is hooked deep. So more golfers and good golf balls bouncing off our house that we find in our yard to go with slightly noisy cart usage means a better economy. In my opinion the same scenario would be how it plays out across the country with golfers and the economy. It helps that I have golfed in over 20 states and simply observed things. Nothing scientific and built into a data base, just using my eyes and knowing human nature over time.

Currently, we are getting hit often, sometimes multiple times per day. That means more bad golfers have money to spend. More golf carts are firing up and less walkers are playing in proportion. They are playing some of the best balls we have ever found on our properties. Bad golfers are playing $5 golf balls in bunches, even the cheaper folks are playing brand new $3 balls. We are seeing very few of the old scuffed up types. We are also finding more than we have ever seen with very few golfers wondering on to our properties looking for them. The parking lot has stayed full of vehicles even on week days when most people are working. The retirees and youth are there during those times.

Needless to say, with our location in flyover, hillbilly country this is a great sign about the economy. Now if PDT settles the Iran thingy and the fuel prices drop, we will probably have to wear helmets when we venture into our yards during daylight hours.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!

So, how was the economy during Brandon’s time pretending to be in office? In rapid decline. I rarely found an expensive golf ball in our yard and we did not get hit nearly as often after four years of getting hit often with #45’s term. Most of the balls were terrible and old – like Brandon. A lot more of the golfers were walkers and the carts generally sat unused at the clubhouse parking lot. I even found range balls in our yard that had been stolen and used on the golf course instead of regular balls.

How has it been since #47 won? I have found more brand new Titleist Pro V-1’s than ever before. I have filled up three dozen egg cartons of them along with Taylormade and Callaway pro balls without a blemish on them since March. Add in five dozen more of other brands. With that happening with a war in Iran going on and spiked fuel prices in play – it speaks volumes. Which tells me that Average Joe and Jane like how things are going and trust POTUS and our economy.

That leads me to believe that America First and MAGA are going to triumph in the midterms.

And it is happening all because of golf balls. Well, maybe with a little assistance from the beer. It’s science. Trust me.

If you have actually read and considered this, you have now entered into the mind and world of TradeBait. And just like Hotel California,

“You can check-out anytime you like, but you can never leave…”

Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.

Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.

Last week I started on the concept of citizens versus subjects. I gave definitions and examples of who we are versus the world. We continue down that path today. For all who watched the Rededicate 250 event please know that none of my content in the coming weeks came from the presentations of their speakers. I generally prepare these dailies a month or more in advance and began discussion on the role of God’s providence in our nation back in American Stories concerning the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Any similarities were arranged without this author’s knowledge by our Creator. 😄

Situation Today

We probably need to know when the Brits and other commonwealth connected nations became citizens like us. It appears some are still subjects while most are called citizens. Here is what their government says.

https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality/british-subject

Here is what Wiki says – probably more than you will ever want to know.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_subject

Good luck figuring out who might be truly independent citizens from that mess.

Compare their situation to Americans, whose God provided natural rights as citizens that were formally acknowledged in founding government documents from the jump some 250 years ago. The Brits still do not grant it fully and leave it all somewhat up to interpretation. As a result the related population tends to have a much more muted response to being patriotic, independent and holding government accountable. However, the most recent national elections and the efforts of Nigel Farage and the UK Independence Party have been encouraging.

If the UK people are fully citizens and not to be disrespectful, why would they give a flying leap about what the Queen or King thought about anything in government at all? If formerly sovereign royalty are no longer in power and sovereign, it seems to this simple mind that the Queen as an example from the following article should have been regarded as an equal citizen to everybody else.

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/queen-elizabeths-icy-look-left-even-prime-ministers-terrified-royal-author-claims

Of course we know they are not like everybody else. Wink, wink.

Combine that with Great Britain’s population moving to post Christian status with the invited and welcomed Muslim invasion. All of which has led to the sick BS we see over there today that translates into the actions of their pathetic, fake leaders.

Maybe you doubt what has been presented here. Would knowing the following help illustrate the point of how being a subject/fake citizen compares to being an actual American citizen? You really want to read this one.

https://donsurber.substack.com/p/brits-poorer-than-mississippians

Seems even Mississippians have the right to ridicule and snub the Brits.

The faithful subject, knowingly or not, declines to fully embrace capitalism and expects the government to take care of them. The national malaise that develops from the lack of initiative created by socialism within the population creates a sea of complacency. Rather than challenge authority they ignore or seek to appease when threatened. The affected countries like the UK become lifeless with no direction or purpose. As a result, they usually get plundered by the more powerful and fall victim to communism or fascism of some sort when pushed to their limits. Even when conservative change agents push the masses toward improving their lot, the elites respond by pushing more toward their Euro counterparts and electing globalist leaders.

Without guns, the second amendment and the authority granted in their national founding documents to overthrow tyrants that we have they are at an extreme disadvantage.

A nation cannot be sustained in a republic without being legally, economically and emotionally detached from government control – which capitalism does. The principles of capitalism are Biblically supported both in the New and Old Testaments. This teaches us that any person who talks or works in opposition to capitalism not only violates American society and frequently our laws and regulations; they violate the principles of the Word of God regarding the subject. This will be discussed in a future daily thread as we move toward celebration of Independence Day.

As a result we should now see major reasons why patriotic Americans, especially we America First MAGA types, are so dang independent and downright contrary against claimed government authority much of the time. We have been citizens from the beginning in our nation. When added to being citizens of the kingdom of God – well – let’s just say we have an independent streak.

We have overtly Christian founders and the large majority of our population are Christians who are citizens in that eternal kingdom as well as being His immediate family members per scripture. By definition and practice our country has developed largely through the efforts of Christian nationalists. Do not let the traitors, seditionists, propagandists, foreign muckrakers and and other assorted criminals spin the terminology as negative and derogatory. It is not. They love to disparage, change and create words and terms that truly are meant for good and give them different meanings. How much do you think the words “gay”, “rainbow”, “woke”, “cancel”, “democracy”, “undocumented immigrant”, and so on differ from past use to today? For example an undocumented immigrant sounds like somebody who came here legally whose documentation was lost compared to the truth of their illegal alien criminal status. When not committing violence, that’s really all the left has in their arsenal – word games and preying on emotions.

Back To Britain

For the record, the UK gave rights to the other nations in the Commonwealth to self determine back in 1947-1987 time range. However, did they change in practice? Were rules, procedures, practices, social customs, tradition, etc. modified with it?

For example, Canada evolved out of subject status first. They became citizens of their nation in 1947 while still retaining the right to be British subjects until 1977. Again, even they have only been technically free from being British subjects for less than 80 years and truly independent for less than 50 years. Do they act like they know they have been freed from being subjects or even want to be? Alberta appears to be the first possible break in their facade. Canucks have been ruled by wannabe dictators such as Fidel’s son and current globalist Carney since their “release” as subjects. They are still fully controlled. Carney has been rubbing it in our faces how that nation has turned completely toward Europe and away from America. You can also tell by how the leaders treat the fake citizenship of the population, which is not much different than any other socialist or commie nation on the planet.

And that does not even delve into who actually owns Canada, right Charles? Shhh, it’s a secret.

The same is true for all of the commonwealth nations. Enlarging the scope, most of the former British Empire dominated nations still have ties back to the motherland that interferes with the rights of their supposed citizens. Look at the censorship and oppressive, coercive governmental actions against their pretend “citizens”. Just because citizenship rights have been extended to people it does not mean the government and ruling class are actually giving up control. They simply shift to economic and social pressures along with other commie, strong arm tactics to maintain rule of the masses. The stated status as citizens is meant only to placate.

In reality, it is nothing but lipstick on the AI pig.

Ain’t she lovely?

In fact, when we remove the monarchies, dictators, totalitarian Marxists and the former British Empire Crown toads from the world governments list; the USA is THE most successful citizen ruling republic in world history despite our occasional forays into servitude by not paying attention to our own evil doing leaders. Casting aside the current chaos related to the destruction of the election cheating apparatus, We the People have the real deal character of our founding fathers. Yet, we are not without challenges of facing down traitors and seditionists every moment of every day just as they did.

So, yes, B – we America First MAGA types intend to keep our representative republic. Thank you for providing it.

I guess all of that that makes us special and why we are the envy of the world. Haters can exit and take all of their illegals, cronies, and sheeple with them. We will be happy to assist with departures.

Be a citizen. Americans citizens are not subjects of government. The government works for us and that includes the corrupt judiciary who try to enforce the unenforceable. Make sure they know who is boss and we will not put up with it. We exist within the providence of God. Ultimately, He is who provides us authority over those who would oppress. The usurpers do not get to tread on us. It is in The Book and in the Declaration of Independence.

Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.

Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.

It is time to discuss citizens versus subjects. It is a two parter because the subject is broad and can go in multiple directions at the same time subject to the level of the reader’s interest.

As we know we are citizens of the United States of America. Many in the rest of the world are subjects of their nations. Christians are also citizens in God’s kingdom. We are in The Author’s family. Jesus Christ, His son, calls us His family members. From Matthew 12:46-50,

While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”

But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (NKJV)

I repeat again for emphasis,

“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

if you have chosen to follow Christ and accept Him as your personal savior, do you understand why you need to act like you have? It is a mind blowing relationship with an equally huge responsibility. Us, little ole peons you and me, represent the family of God. The Author and Creator of the universe considers us to be His immediate family members. You will always have a home and a family that loves and supports you.

And it is AWESOME.

I AM is the sovereign authority; The Author and The Father. It follows that all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior become familiy members as Jesus describes.

Which leads to when scripture meets worldly application.

America Versus Much Of The World

Ephesians 2:19

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;“ (KJV)

To sum it up so far: You are a subject and family member of I AM as well as a close family member of Jesus who stated He and The Father are one, and a citizen of eternity (Heaven).

OK, one day you decide or have already decided to lock in with His family. You officially become a citizen with the saints and are then in the household of God. Now that is established, let’s do the definitions for our purposes with their worldly application. Use whatever dictionary you prefer. Most I read have the following key points.

Citizens – Government works for you. You have rights and protections with political and civil participation. In America, natural rights are granted by God per our Declaration of Independence

Subjects – You report to Government. You and your activities are subject to government authority as well as any sovereign authority. Your authority is limited to what the government gives you.

The Declaration of Independence explains why the colonies considered themselves as independent sovereign states who were no longer subject to British colonial rule. They shut down the authority of The Crown and Parliament of Great Britain. They were all individually subjects of Great Britain, which afforded them specific rights and protections as long as they accepted government and that sovereign’s (King) authority. The problem was that government and sovereign did not honor even those more limited rights over an extended period of time that worsened as the Brits fought wars, primarily with France. The colonists were gradually placed in a subservient class and regarded unworthy of British society. That led the founding fathers to conclude it was a duty of colonists and mankind in general to cast off governance that abused its population. For what it is worth, many Brits still think that way about Americans, we are the lessers in their minds.

Which leads to…

What movement of the past century found its roots in the rights come from government philosophy? Progressivism. What political party aligns and promotes progressivism? Democrat. With which political party did 85+% of the federal workforce align? Democrat. Which political party gets along best with the UK and EU leaders and elites? Democrats. The questions and same answer could go on and on, but you get the idea. Which is one major reason SCOTUS Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was speaking out openly about the scourge of progressivism on this nation. It is anti-American.

He gets it. He is also a great man and justice.

Democrats (progressives) believe the American population are subjects. With them, our rights are derived from government. They state it openly and often. Nothing in our Declaration of Independence or Constitution states that. Which is why they always reference our national organization as a democracy and not as a representative republic. They sell their position constantly to dumb people and sheeple. The dumber the population becomes the more they are able to sell their position, which only benefits them. This is why they have intentionally dumbed down public education, promoted sex/gender deviancy, supported criminality, promoted racial tension, are anti-Christian, etc.

Since America was largely populated from Great Britain at our founding, our patriot founders fought a war over this type control. They dealt with their own set of insurrectionists and criminals. Please keep in mind that not all of the founding fathers and leaders of the colonies fully supported the war. Some loyalists were boxed in and had little choice but support it or lose everything and ship out back to Britain. However, if they stayed and hid their true beliefs well, they would be able to move about society and within the newly formed government to inject their real thoughts and ambitions into the processes. This is a type infiltration of which Q spoke and it has been going on here for 250 years.

We will pick this subject up from this point next time as we look at the world today. Until then see if you can spot a few recurring themes and what the progressive evil doers seek for us, as well as what our anons response has been today in this short movie trailer. It is worth you investing two minutes of your time…

Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.

Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.