Author: TradeBait2

American Stores: When in the Course of human events – Part 4

This series is now dedicated to DeplorablePatriot, Susie Sampson. RIP and enjoy the company of Heaven, friend. We will carry on here and try to do you proud.

The post below probably reflects the more crude sentiments of most of the 77+ million voters for President Trump, which was probably over 90 million if all of his votes were actually counted.

Pardon me as I leave my Christian virtue outside the door. It will return after my next statements.

Our righteous anger has consequences. That summarizes how my current day fellow Sons and Daughters of Liberty feel. That unity and mercy shiz at the enemy’s request and terms ends now. There must be full compliance with the principles of the Declaration of Independence and provisions in the Constitution or GTFO to every person within our borders from this point on.

The scoundrels said and did what they said and did. Even with that President Trump is reaching across the aisle to encourage working together, just on our terms and not theirs. It will not work and he can say he tried. They will only do so reluctantly and will return to their evil ways at the first opportunity. l much prefer we move on to the obvious conclusion. They have no remorse for what they have done to him or us. They will continue to obstruct, lie and deceive. Yet, it will not stop what is coming.

Judgment Day.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled, but applicable, programming. Well, maybe after one more discussion. As you will probably figure out, I have clearly gone off the rails with this posted story. 😂

Coincidently

Was Inauguration Day great or what?! That day is one for the ages, it will likely never be topped. Celebration with each statement he made and EO he signed. Inspiring speeches. meaningful prayers and fun music abounded. The wonderful happy faces of people celebrating filled me with joy. Patriotism and expressions of faith are returning in full force. The majority of Americans have hungered for this day and were sick of the dangerous, corrupted, woke nanny state we had become. For psychological effects, nothing tops J6 for rebellion against Americans by the feds and their minions. Yet, we patriots know that all of the power plays by the leftists and cabal have been illegal and treasonous in nature. When many of the cops and judges break bad, it is a painfully hard thing to return the law and order of the American Way. That begins in earnest now.

EO after EO. Confirmation after confirmation of meaningful actions to come. Reconciliation bill(s) on tap per Speaker Johnson that will codify Execrative Orders and Actions into law with a united GOP paving the way for a change is what will benefit We the People the most. Thank you POTUS! 🇺🇸

Now, let’s get the election system in order so that cheating ends forever.

Treaties, Pacts And Deceptions

The following is one man’s observations and opinions in just one major aspect of our rights as citizens. The reader is free to agree or disagree, it is the American Way and your right to do so thanks to the founding fathers and now, President Trump. I encourage it. Regardless of your position, the subject is one of major focus by POTUS and his cabinet. Treaties and trade pacts will be up for constant withdrawal, negotiation, execution and discussion. America is going to be aggressive economically as well as geographically. With multi polarity the topic of international discussions, expect the first step to be toward a lockdown control of North America with inroads of increased relations in Central and South America. The Abraham Accords will also return to the stage soon.

As a result it seems appropriate to begin this part on Declaration signers with a summary discussion of treaties and pacts. Many folks ignore or forget that treaties and bi/multi lateral pacts are legal and binding between peoples and nations only as long as they are honored by all parties. They die in value the very second a party(ies) violates regardless of legal language in the treaty or pact that provides remedies. The reason is the violators nearly always know they are violating. The violated can never fully trust the violators again. There are no independent, neutral arbiters of violated treaties and pacts that have the ability and authority to enforce. For the most part there are no real “mistakes” or “errors of omission or commission”. The documents are negotiated and reviewed in great detail before execution. The parties know what they are doing.

Violations of treaties and pacts lead to all types of conflicts and wars on the battlefields, economically, with terrorism, with criminal activities and so on. Honoring a legal agreement that has been violated by a party to it is foolishness. The violator has openly provided a sign of a lack of respect and honorable intent. For an example, who first violated provisions of the NATO/Russia Founding Act of 1997 when each party stated they did not consider the other adversaries? Who violated the Minsk Accords in 2014 with a color revolution? Now look where things are today in the subject nation of Ukraine. Why bother signing agreements when neither party can trust the other to hold up their end of the deal? It is lipstick on the pig and We the People need to wise up to not fall for political maneuvering and theater.

Next, drill down to the individual rights of all people in the above referenced comments. You have now entered into the “natural rights” of all people individually to which our American founding fathers speak in the Declaration. In fact, it is the basis for everything that comes thereafter in our nation’s history. Those same rights were granted at the dawn of creation by the Creator. OUR collective American nation is governed by that principle and law per the Declaration and Constitution that followed. It was the understanding of our founding fathers and all American patriots. It has been in our governing documents since execution.

As a result, anything or anybody operating outside of those documents; any laws or regulations that violate that understanding; any foreign interests that impose their wills against it; even Satan himself doing his thing: None have any authority to act opposed to those governed by the founding document and resulting Constitution. We have the natural rights to toss any conflicting statute, law, rule, regulation, etc. out and overthrow anybody that attempts to enforce them. In fact, our founding documents indicate it is our responsibility to do so.

To illustrate the point of the intertwining of our nation’s formation and Christianity, what is the first sentence in the 1783 Treaty of Paris that officially brought an end to Revolutionary War hostilities and freed the states from British oppression?

“In the Name of the most Holy & undivided Trinity.“

The Treaty was willingly executed by both nations to end the conflict. They each acknowledged the above reference quote. They agreed the document was being executed in good faith in the presence of the most high, holy God in the form of the Trinity. Anytime a person or entity tells you that America was not founded on Christianity or is not a Christian nation, tell them to go pound sand and to read the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris. You have seen the references to the Creator and His providence in the Declaration and its affirmation in the Constitution. Now you see it and a direct reference to the Trinity in the Treaty that granted America its full independence. So enough with the lies and propaganda. Full stop. The Holy Word of God is the final authority on all matters.

Further…

“His Brittanic Majesty acknowledges the said United States, viz., New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to be free sovereign and Independent States; that he treats with them as such, and for himself his Heirs & Successors, relinquishes all claims to the Government, Propriety, and Territorial Rights of the same and every Part thereof.”

Freedom.

We see that the Constitution that was subsequently executed a few years later is valid in that Americans had treaty granted rights to do as they pleased in terms of government and national formation. Great Britain was out. At least until they tried to force their way in again in 1812, which led to the Treaty of Ghent two years later.

Which is a major point. Treaties are good until they aren’t. But know this, no amount of deception such as was performed in 1913 is legal per the founding documents. They are direct violations of established principles in the Declaration and law in the Constitution. For example, there is no legitimate national indebtedness to the City of London as some supposed, just like there is no legitimate national indebtedness to the Federal Reserve. Americans are about to get educated if I read the tea leaves right. President Trump and fellow patriots are going to rip down the veil and tear it to shreds.

To summarize, our elected leaders and their appointees have no authority to enter into any treaty or pact that does not have America First. America was not first with the Paris Agreement on climate, the funding of WHO through the UN and many others in recent memory. We should sign nothing that does not have America and its citizens first. If our government does not do that they are operating in opposition to the law from the founding documents that rule our nation. If there is a need of We the People that is pressing, the governing officials have no legal right to give the funding to any foreign nation or interests before us. Every Congress critter and POTUS who has done that is corrupted and violated their oaths of office.

The Declaration of Independence is the vision and authority for the American experience, the American Way. It also provided a citation of violations of the King and Great Britain against the colonies. Do the listed violations sound familiar? Many are similar to what we have experienced currently from our own government that has pushed down heavily on We the People. Many of our leaders and citizens are still connected to the Crown and other blood suckers just as they were in the Revolutionary War period.

The Constitution is the modus operandi for how we live and operate as a nation. The statutes, laws, rules and regulations that flow from it must be in accordance and also be in sync with the Declaration. Even SCOTUS rulings that violate the goals, intentions and mission of those documents are null and void. Any legal precedents they establish that violate natural laws are invalid. We only have to look to the recent COVID related mandates to understand how and why. For example, Roe v. Wade was finally seen by the SCOTUS to be an unconstitutional violation that a previous SCOTUS made and others upheld through the decades that followed. The more current court chose to honor the founding documents that established a republic in opposition to the new age Federalists that pushed for central governance and control. This recent decision led to the people in each state being able to legally determine to honor or not honor the natural rights of the conceived, but not yet born; which is how this republic is supposed to work.

All people are acknowledged as being created equally by the Bible as well as in the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution is written to reflect that understanding. Again…

“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.”

Knowing that even some of the same patriots who brought us that language permitted slavery of “equal” men and women with certain “unalienable Rights” to exist in the new nation. If the quoted language is to be believed, which it should be, the view of many of We the People that slaves were property was obviously dead wrong. It is no wonder that as soon as America officially existed, it had internal strife that culminated in a horrific, bloody war less than a century later that had slavery as well as other major issues attached such as banking wars, industrialist control issues, treatment of native American Indians, misuse of central government over states’ rights, buying religious endorsements from the pulpits, corrupting higher education, and so on.

All of the deception can throw individuals and nations off track. The saboteurs and evil doers know that and use it to gain an upper hand. Because America is dedicated to God clearly in the Declaration and affirmed in the Constitution as well as the Treaty of Paris, eventually slavery would cease to exist. It was inevitable. But flawed leaders and parts of society resisted as people are want to do just as they do today. In the early days of our nation the existence of slavery in the United States led to their using it as an excuse for starting another war to reclaim their still perceived possession of the colonies in violation of the Treaty of Paris that they previously signed “In the Name of the most Holy & undivided Trinity.“

And the circle goes round and round and…

It is my personal belief that the Declaration is one of the greatest documents ever produced in human existence and that it was guided by the hand of God. Many of the expressions contained within reflect related messages of the Bible.

With this understanding and in contrast, what would you do if opposed to our founding documents? If war did not work; infiltrate and circumvent, of course.

That has been what has happened to America since it won the Revolutionary War. Do you want to know the primary reasons why Sons of Liberty wild men John Hancock, Samuel Adams and others had voiced concerns and reservations about approving the Constitution after winning the war? After much consternation and debate, consider that that those two finally agreed to go along and vote to approve it. Their influence swung the state’s vote to approval in Boston, the Cradle of Liberty. The short Wiki link below is accurate and briefly explains this compromise. You can find numerous historical accounts if you want to dig deeper.

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

The actual vote was 187 – 168 in favor. If only 10 people had voted differently things would have been messier. Hancock and Adams were deeply concerned that the young nation would descend into chaos and ruin without its ratification even though they believed parts of it were flawed. So they forced a compromise with the central government supporters, the Federalists, that formed our Bill of Rights and many of the legal principles and related provisions that provide individual freedoms associated with natural rights.

Failure to approve would have been worrisome since they had just led a bloody, destructive revolution that was based on and assured those rights for the colonists. Logically, all should have been unanimously voting in support of the natural rights of the people in a republican form of government. I guess liberty and freedom is never fully understood and accepted even by all who benefit.

Basically we have been at some form of war since the revolution. The battlefronts and war types have changed, but the worldly and fallen angel heavenly forces allied against us are still the same. If we had no value, were of no consequence to the world or Heaven, I dare say we would not be at war continuously. Apparently, we are very valuable to both camps.

So as Joshua said in Joshua 24:15 and I have repeated often in my stories, “But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (NASB)

Sounds like a Godly version of what Samuel Adams might say.

Now on to two more of our Declaration signers.

William Elery

Born in Newport, RI in 1727, William Elery was the second son of a merchant father of the same name along with his wife, Elizabeth. His father educated him until he entered Harvard at age 16, graduating four years later while excelling in Greek and Latin. For many years afterwards he tried to find a career that suited him. At first he was a merchant, then collector of Custom taxes, and eventually the recording clerk of the General Assembly. Finally at age 43, after his parents were deceased and he had received a large estate, he found his calling and became an attorney and judge. He joined the Sons of Liberty in Rhode Island and became a representative at the Continental Congress when the previous representative, Samuel Ward died. When it came time to sign the Declaration he boldly approached. “I watched everyone sign, as I was determined to see how they looked as they gave their names to what might be their death warrant.” He had been moved by their “undaunted resolution” while doing so.

Just like many of the patriot founding fathers and signers of the Declaration, he found his home had been ransacked and burned during the Revolutionary War.

In 1785 he became a strong, vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery. He was appointed Commissioner of The Continental Loan Office a year later. He served there until appointed by POTUS Washington to be Customs Collector in Newport in 1791. He passed away in 1820 at the age of 92.

Though lower in profile than many of the other founding fathers, Ellery made other inspiring, resolute, patriotic statements that have been quoted by historians. In addition to the previous quote, the following was written in a letter to his brother, Benjamin.

“We have lived to see a Period which a few years ago no human forecast could have imagined – to see these Colonies shake off and declare themselves independent of a State which they once gloried to call Parent …”

Later, Ellery wrote to Reverend Ezra Stiles and said, “We have been driven into a Declaration of Independency & must forget our former love of our British brethren. The Sword must determine our quarrel.”

These quotes are strong reminders to us today. Never accept less than America First and forge forward regardless of the opposition. Be bold and be strong for liberty and freedom for all.

Ellery was married to Ann Remington until her death in 1764. He later married Abigal Cary who bore them seven children that survived to adulthood. One of his children became a noted Universalist theologian and another, Henry Dana, became a noted poet and essayist. William Ellery was a devoted American Patriot.

Lyman Hall

Lyman Hall was born in Wallingford, CT in 1724. He was the son of a local minister, John Hall and mother, Mary Hall, who was the daughter of Rev. Samuel Street. He was educated by his uncle, Samuel Hall. He went on to graduate from Yale. He attempted to become a minister, which was met with trouble within the congregation. He began studying medicine and two years later became a physician. He married Abigali Burr of CT, but she died a year later. Five years later he married Mary Osborne. They had two sons together, one of whom died as at age 11.

The couple moved to Charleston, SC and Lyman opened a medical office. In 1760 he purchased land in Georgia and started a plantation operation there. He joined the radical patriots in the Sunbury, GA area, which is now a ghost town. He prevailed in being elected to the Continental Congress despite a predominance of Georgians who were loyalists at the time. He became active in the Revolutionary Armies provisioning medical supplies and food. He remained in the Congress for five years until 1780, however, he returned to GA for a period in 1777 to attend to plantation operations and to help with the personal and legal situation of his friend and fellow Declaration signer, Button Gwinnett. Gwinnett later died in a dual with his rival and fellow patriot, Lachlan McIntosh. Hall was devastated by the loss of his friend and attempted without success to have McIntosh arrested.

A short time after his return he learned the British had taken Savannah and had burned down his home and property. They charged him with treason. He and his family fled to Charleston and realized the British had control. They continued on to Connecticut and possibly later, Virginia. Finally, in 1782 they were able to return to the Savannah, Georgia area to reclaim their property and resume their lives.

A year later he was elected Governor of GA. He never left his religious roots and began efforts to charter a college level school that provided a good education, especially in religious education that would help deliver a more virtuous society with less vice. The University of Georgia was chartered in 1785 as a result. After serving one year as Governor he returned to his medical practice. Through the years he experienced financial challenges and hardships that originated from the war. In 1790 he sold his plantation and moved to a different one in Burke County, GA to retire. He passed away that same year at age 66. His wife passed away three years later. Hall County, GA bears his name.

Lyman Hall was a dignified, affable, intelligent, considerate American Patriot who took up the challenges of gaining freedom and liberty from the oppressors no matter the personal cost.

Conclusion

The better we understand our history the more we realize this great nation has been established through the blood, sweat and tears of patriots over many years. I still hear Elery’s words in my head and heart relating to the signers standing on principles and purpose unto the point of their willingness to die for the good of fellow Americans. Most could have chosen to continue in their high social standing and not risk it all. Yet, they exhibited the spirit that John F. Kennedy conveyed with his famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

The founding patriots did it to establish a free republic for We the People.

We do it to preserve and strengthen the greatest nation on earth.

God bless America.

American Stories: When in the Course of human events – Part 3

Before we begin this inspiring part of our signers of the Declaration of Independence series, I have one more note for the readers on the research involved in this series. Many of the historical accounts disagree with each other on specifics. For example some may have a person leaving a town for another in one year and others in a different year. Some may include career details in one place or another doing one one thing or another that are different than other accounts. Some of our subject signers left journals, letters and other accounts for posterity; while others left nothing, just the accounts of supporters and detractors. I have one account of a person dying in one year, but attending a gala later that same year. Details matter, however, in doing these summarized accounts of American Patriot lives going back over three centuries, I reserve the right to miss the mark in the minor details as I am working from other people’s sources and works. I consider numerous accounts before I write. I attempt to ferret through the details and determine what I believe best summarizes the truth and message learned from their lives. I also want to represent them as real people like all of us, not some gods whose actions or words cannot be questioned. After all, there is only the one I AM that holds that title.

It is now time for us to review the role of an important group of patriot trouble makers toward the British Crown. Their role is unquestioned in moving the needle toward independence for the colonists.

The Sons of Liberty

We started this series with John Hancock, a card carrying member of the Sons of Liberty if there ever was one. We can easily see how he would be associated with this loosely organized group of patriots who were antagonists to the Brits. He was proud of his role in the early days of the independence movement. To learn more about this group please read the link below.

https://www.history.com/news/sons-of-liberty-members-causes

Not much else needs said about them. You did not want to cross them, they would make your life miserable if you were an American loyalist Tory or sympathizer. They were some of the most important founding fathers of our nation. One Son of Liberty may have been the most important in the movement and I have briefly discussed him previously.

Samuel Adams

From the link above…

“The Sons’ most prominent leader was Samuel Adams, the son of a wealthy brewer who was more interested in radical rabble-rousing than commerce. Adams wrote his masters thesis at Harvard on the lawfulness of resisting British rule. While George Washington eventually led the war effort against the British, “the truth is that there might not have been a fight to begin with had it not been for the work of Sam Adams,” writes historian Les Standiford.”

Both Adams and Hancock were hated and feared by the Brits as will be discussed later in this story. Samuel Adams was so outspoken about independence that he put the world on notice while a student at Harvard, a college that was filled with loyalist students sent there by their aristocratic, Tory parents. It is no wonder that fellow average colonists who desired independence joined in with the Sons of Liberty’s exploits to push the Brits beyond their limits.

Samuel Adams was born in 1722 in Boston. He was the son of Samuel and Mary Adams, Sr. He was one of twelve children, however, only three survived past the age of three. His father was a wealthy merchant and deacon in the Puritan Church. His father became active in Boston politics and eventually rose to elected office in the MA House of Representatives. Integrity was instilled in the couple that passed to their son. Adams, Sr. was active in the town meetings and sided with the popular party, which was the precursor to the Whigs, or, Patriot party.

His parents hoped young Samuel would gravitate more toward ministry in the church, but as time passed Samuel became more involved in politics. After Harvard, Samuel became a partner in his father’s malthouse business. He was not a good businessman at all and it eventually was closed. During the period the local economy began experiencing a cash shortage. His father became involved with other business leaders in creating a local land bank that included the creation of paper currency in 1739 by using borrower mortgages as security. Most of the area citizens fully supported it, which concerned the loyalists. The aristocratic, Court Party held control over governance and used the Brits to dissolve the bank through an act of Parliament. Directors of the bank who included young Samuel’s father were held personally liable for all of the currency outstanding, which had to be repaid in gold and silver. Lawsuits continued over the years even after his father’s death. As Samuel dealt with them it remained a constant reminder to him of the untrustworthy Brits and loyalists, the Tories. It became fuel for his patriot fire.

Meanwhile Samuel’s interest and influence in politics and independence continued to grow. He was elected to a clerk position of the Boston market in 1747. To understand more about the market, Faneuil Hall, its origin and place in the American revolution, please read the link below.

https://citydays.com/places/faneuil-hall-market

At that point Samuel also assumed control over his family’s affairs when his father passed away a year later. A year after that he married Elizabeth Checkley, his pastor’s daughter. She bore them six children over the next seven years, but only two survived to adulthood. Elizabeth passed away with the stillbirth of their last child. Some years later he married Elizabeth Wells and they had no children.

As his prominence and popularity grew, in 1756 he was elected into the position of tax collector. The problem was he could not always force himself to collect taxes from some of the people. However, that did make him even more popular with the people. By 1765 the deficit in collections had risen significantly and become a governmental problem. His political opponents used it against him and by 1768 he was forced to pay a large judgment. Friends helped raise funds and a portion was written off. Yet, it did nothing to reduce his popularity with the people and the “popular party” of patriots.

The Brits had incurred huge debts in the winning of the French and Indian War. They looked to the colonies as a source of taxation to repay much of it, rationalizing their victory helped the colonies. Through the years leading up to the Declaration of Independence, Adams contested every move and interpretation taken by the Brits and loyalists. He led boycotts to counter. This led to confrontations over the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, the Townshends Act, and more. Many times his arguments and boycotts were successful. However, it did not stop the Brits from overreach. Finally, with the British occupation of Boston by four regiments of troops in 1768, Adams gave up any hope of reconciliation.

Adams continued to try to get the Brits to remove their regiments without full success. This culminated in the Boston Massacre of 1770 when five colonists were killed. Through his efforts this led to the remaining regiments being withdrawn from Boston even if the Brits resisted allowing trials of their murdering soldiers. In a compromise he arranged for his cousin, John Adams, to defend the accused to present a more balanced view of the hearings to both colonists and Brits. Six of the eight soldiers involved were acquitted of charges. The other two received reduced sentences for manslaughter with a simple branding on a hand.

Please note that despite many other depictions and representations, Samuel and John Adams were cousins, not brothers. They also became political opponents later in life.

The resolution of the Boston Massacre led to a “quiet” period of a couple of years. After losing an election for Register of Deeds, Samuel won another term to the MA House of Representatives. When the Brits took over the colonists’ role of paying the Governor, Lt. Governor and Superior Court Justices; Adams and supporters felt the Brits had overstepped their legal authority once again. Adams and associates devised a system of Committees of Correspondence to circulate information throughout the colony about the British activities. Loyalist Governor Hutchinson became concerned and entered into this discourse, which gave Adams an opening to make his points for the colonists and in support of independence. In mid 1773 Adams and associates seized the opportunity and published the widely circulated Boston Pamphlet that addressed colonist rights along with the past written statements from letters of the loyalist Governor to Adams. This effectively ended Hutchinson’s political career.

When Parliament passed the Tea Tax later in 1773 the colonies went into a rage due to the effect it would have on the economy of the colonies. This soon led to the often referenced Boston Tea Party and the Brits’ responses through the Coercive Acts. As they say, the rest is history; all of which Adams was in the middle of as a charismatic, rebel leader of the colonists along with John Hancock.

The events leading to the Revolutionary War began to happen at an increasing pace. After attending the First Continental Congress, Hancock and Adams decided to stay at Hancock’s Lexington home when they were informed by fellow patriots that British General Gage had been dispatched from Boston with troops for their capture. They escaped, but this move by Gage incited the American militia in Lexington and Concord to battle them in the start of the Revolutionary War.

As the Second Continental Congress met and the Declaration of Independence was introduced and signed by Adams and the others, he began a crusade against American loyalists. In a 1776 speech in Philadelphia, he went after all who sided with the Crown. “If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom—go from us in peace,” Adams said. “We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you.” A few years later he pushed for exiling all loyalists as well as the payment of reparations through confiscating their properties. He considered them traitors to the America he loved.

He helped draft the Articles of Confederation and in 1781 returned to Boston where he entered state politics. He was elected to the MA Senate, Lt. Governor and later Governor for three, one year terms after Hancock passed away. He remained a man of the people and supported free education for all including women, which was considered highly controversial. He tried to return to national politics as he had concerns about the soon to be enacted Constitution, but was not successful. In the end he signed along with Hancock to ratify the Constitution, which was approved by a narrow majority in MA. His influence began to wane and he lost a vote in 1796 for a potential VP position to his cousin, John Adams, on the Thomas Jefferson ticket. He was pleased when his cousin lost a run for POTUS four years later.

At that point he retired. He and his wife had no financial issues as he had received income from his surgeon son who had served in the Revolutionary War when he passed away at age 37. The couple had always lived modestly, so they had enough. He passed away in 1803 at the age of 81 from Essential Tremors that had plagued him the last decade of his life.

Samuel Adams was a political firebrand with Puritan ethics and integrity that influenced legions of moderate colonists to embrace independence. He had been deeply influenced in his younger years during his education and from literature that held the view and belief that all people are born with specific rights and that governments exist by consent of the people. It fit his worldview as a Puritan and patriot. This was imprinted even more deeply into his being when he observed what the Brits and American Tories did to the land bank. The resulting legal hardships it caused his father and later, himself, as he handled the family affairs after his father died were never forgotten. He wanted all Americans who sought independence to be free of the oppressors.

There may never have been a Revolutionary War and our independence without patriots such as Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty.

Charles Carroll

Seemingly entering the scene of patriots as a dignified wealthy aristocrat, Charles Carroll proved to have a steely resolve that was no less strong than that of John Hancock or Samuel Adams. Given his family’s background and circumstances one would think he would have sided with the Tories or otherwise taken a life of neutral, non-commitment to patriot causes. Perhaps his learned appreciation for all things French through the years influenced his future thoughts about British rule.

Charles “Charley” Carroll was born in Annapolis, MD in 1737 into a mega wealthy plantation family. At the time of the Revolution he was likely the wealthiest of all American colonists as he inherited a fortune of land and assets that was the equivalent of $375 million even then, the equivalent of multi billions today. His father’s side descended from Irish rulers and his mother’s side was English. Since they were Catholics, he attended Jesuit prep school until age 11 when he was sent to France where he was educated by Jesuits at St. Omer, France; at seminary in Rheims; as a graduate at the College of Louis the Grande in Bourges; as well as other studies in Paris and finally, an apprenticeship in law in London. He returned to Maryland in 1765 in the middle of the rancor of the Stamp Act that he adamantly opposed. He became involved immediately as his dignified manner and intelligence helped bring order to the response. He enthusiastically joined a group of patriots and fully supported independence even if it meant armed conflict. He made himself quite clear with the quote, “Neither my millions nor my writing will settle this just cause, but the bayonet will.”

Carroll was elected to represent Maryland on the 4th of July and was too late to vote for the Declaration, however he arrived in time to sign it. Since Carroll was a common surname, he signed it Charles Carroll of Carrollton. At which time he told Hancock, “Let there be no doubt there is only one Carrollton.” Throughout the period leading up to the signing Carroll had been a tireless promoter of independence and debated frequently with great eloquence and skill from his religious and law background. He represented Maryland within the Samuel Adams promoted Committees of Correspondence. Due to his fluency in the language he was chosen along with Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase and his cousin John Carroll to visit with French Canadian Catholics to seek assistance for the colonies. The effort was unsuccessful. This lack of success only strengthened his patriotic resolve.

He served on the Board of War during some of the darkest years for the colonies. He remained a staunch defender of George Washington as well as a close friend. Both were like-minded conservatives by nature from planters backgrounds and opposed the confiscation of Tory land that Samuel Adams and others proposed. They both fought against the enlistment of slaves into the army without there being adequate compensation to slave owners.

He served two years in the Continental Congress before returning to his native Maryland to assist in state government, where he was elected into the Maryland Senate and for a brief period as a U. S. Senator. He resigned the latter when he was prohibited by law from serving both roles as he much preferred serving his state. He did so in the MD Senate for nearly 25 years until retirement.

He was somewhat ambivalent about the issue of slavery. The Carroll family owned the most slaves of anybody at the start of the Revolution. He personally owned 400 – 500 at one point. Yet, he stated frequently his desire for slavery to end and even introduced a bill to gradually do so, which failed. Even with his beliefs on the issue he still did not release his own. In the later years of his life he supported and led the movement to return slaves to a free status in the nation of Liberia and other African nations.

He retired from public life and politics in 1801. He would occasionally be seen in ceremonial roles through the years. Much of his time was spent operating his many businesses. He lived the longest of all Declaration signers and passed away at age 95 in 1832.

His story could have stopped there. Most historical accounts of him do.

However, at this point in my research I noticed little had been stated about Carroll’s personal and family life in historical accounts other than his early years and his wife’s name, who passed away sometime around the end of the Revolutionary War. I searched deeper and found two sites dedicated to telling more of his personal story. The one quoted and linked below probably reveals why many historians did not go “there”…

“His family had become a wreck during his continued absences. His wife was addicted to opium before her death and his son, Charles Carroll of Homewood, soon became a miserable alcoholic. Carroll tried to intervene to save his family, but more often than not, his efforts were futile.

His record as a slave owner and early abolitionist is a testament to his faith. He sold slaves, but avoided breaking up families, and he offered weekly religious instruction. He once presented a bill in the Maryland Senate for the gradual abolition of slavery which required all slave girls to be educated and then freed at twenty-eight so they could in turn educate their husbands and children. When several proposals for abolition failed, he joined the American Colonization Society and in 1830 was elected president of that organization. Three older slaves kneeled at his bedside the night of his death, practicing the Catholic faith his religious instruction provided them.“

Charles Carroll of Carrollton: The Southern Irish Catholic Planter

This was found on the other site:

On his return to Maryland in 1765, Charles Carroll was given a 10,000-acre land tract called Carrollton, located in Frederick County.  Although he would never live there, Carroll added the word “Carrollton” to his signature to distinguish himself from other Charles Carrolls. In 1768, he married his cousin, Mary “Molly” Darnall, and began major improvements to his family’s urban home and gardens in Annapolis. They had seven children, only three of whom lived to adulthood. Charles, their only son, would later live at Homewood, now located on the Baltimore campus of Johns Hopkins University.

The Carrolls were busy and gracious hosts to such dignitaries and governmental leaders as George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. The house and grounds were the scenes for many social events, “humble feasts” and after-the-races dinners. Politics kept the family busy through the Revolutionary War and in 1783, the Annapolis house and grounds were the sites of the Official State Celebration for Peace and Independence:

“Elegant and plentiful dinner provided for the celebration of Peace on Carroll’s Green; … sheep, calves, and whole ox were roasted, liquor in proportion … A convenient, extensive building was erected sufficient for the accommodations of many hundreds. Patriotic toasts were drunk, each attended with thirteen cannon.  After dinner at night, the Statehouse, a superb building, was beautifully and magnificently illuminated and an elegant entertainment given to the ladies at the ball-room …” April 24, 1783, Maryland Gazette

Charles Carroll of Carrollton – The Signer

Conclusion

No person, even the mega wealthy, is exempt from toil, trouble, and personal issues in the struggle of living well. Charles Carroll was another legendary patriot who overcame many challenges and America was the better for it. Despite being raised in wealth, Samuel Adams battled through numerous hardships that would have destroyed lesser men and lived in very modest conditions in retirement with serious physical limitations and far less popularity.

These men, their families, and supporters serve as reminders that freedom is not free for us. Do you count yourself as a modern day Son or Daughter of Liberty? We the People need you.

God bless America.

American Stories: When in the Course of human events – Part 2

Before we go farther, I want to inform readers about the sourcing of my information, which should have been done in the opening story. All of the content is in the public record and accessible via the internet. As a result I am not listing the individual sources in my stories with one exception. I am also utilizing a special edition insert from The Sun newspaper of the Conway/Myrtle Beach area of SC from the 1990’s titled “The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence”. While on vacation there about 30 years ago I picked up this wonderful supplement to that newspaper and retained it in my files. It has been very helpful.

Our first three American patriot heroes were from the colonies of Massachusetts, New York and South Carolina. In our minds we can picture them in the assembly of many others from the colonies who were there to discuss their situations and the possible path forward. As they gathered there would be small group breakouts and much discussion, laughter, contentiousness, toasting, yawns, speech making, anger, joking, and even prayer. We tend to forget they were people just like us. Some slept well and others did not. Some were constipated, had colds, were stroke victims, walked with canes and so on. Some were healthy, near death, or somewhere in between. Some had alcohol addictions or drank socially while others abstained. Some had personality disorders. Some were loud braggarts and others were humble in spirit. Some were hawks and others were doves. They were all adult ages. There were the wealthy and those of more modest means. Some were reconciliatory toward the Brits and others could not rest until the last one on American soil was dead or back in England. Most missed their families, friends and life’s work at home while doing the work of We the People. They all had concerns and fears.

Most importantly, they all knew the magnitude of what they were doing.

When it came time for making decisions on the direction of the colonies and the formation of the new nation they were all focused on the task at hand to achieve consensus. As you will learn, many times the votes were split between the representatives within a state. These votes had consequences back home and some lost reelection for voting in ways that were against the will of the people. For the Declaration and Constitution that followed the war’s conclusion to come to fruition required divine inspiration and a guiding hand. As a result, God’s wisdom is interwoven into the document intentionally. The participants knew they were dependent upon God’s providence to succeed as they were going against the most formidable opponent in the world that they knew all too well. They demonstrated that understanding by referencing God multiple times in the documents.

Americans – Who Are We?

It is such a basic question, yet, I am afraid most people cannot answer adequately. For this part and those to come we need to review a foundational truth about America and being an American citizen. In my opinion it is most accurately reflected in something written by the great, great grandson of the next patriot I will feature. You may or may not be familiar with it, although it should be something imprinted in our heads and hearts as Americans. It was presented and accepted by the U. S. House of Representatives in 1917. As you read the words that follow, you will sense the passion and commitment. The statements may appear familiar, similar to those you see and hear that are associated with the America First MAGA movement today. Anybody or anything that seeks to change the definition of the following must do so within Constitutionally provided confines. Which is why the globalist criminals and other enemies of our nation work to corrupt and circumvent the Constitution at every opportunity. So as you read transport yourself back in time to the origin of it and understand the words contained within are in their purest form, uncorrupted by current times.

The American’s Creed

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.

God Save the United States

William Tyler Page

https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdcmassbookdig.americanscreed00morr/

Beginning at age 13 in the role of a page in the U. S. Capitol, Page had a 61 year career in public service. In the middle of that career at age 49 he entered the above Creed in a nationwide patriotism contest and won. He drew his inspiration and wording from a wide variety of documents including the Declaration, the preamble to the Constitution, and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Patriot William Tyler Page probably did not know at that time that some political and business globalist leaders had taken steps to completely undermine the very foundation of America and its Constitution four years previous to his Creed being accepted by the House. We can only speculate on how many of those elected representatives were in on that treason and sedition that ensued over the next century. The Creed is inscribed on a bronze tablet and displayed in the Capitol. How many of our current elected officials and administrative staffers even know it exists, much less believe the foundational truths it states?

What if those words that were written over a century ago by a descendent of a patriot signer of the Declaration of Independence have become the current marching orders for our America First MAGA movement that is led by President Donald J. Trump? We know our roles are to restore the republic and the American Way. The Creed is representative of the American Way. It is with it in mind that we turn to learning more about other Declaration signers.

Mr. Page descended from…

Carter Braxton

Carter Braxton was born into wealth on the Newington Plantation in King and Queen County, VA, east of Richmond in 1736. His maternal grandfather, King Carter, was the wealthiest man in VA at the time. Carter went to the College of William & Mary in the state and returned to be a planter. He married into wealth as well, wedding first the niece, Judith Robinson, of the Speaker of the House of Burgesses in the state. She later died during the birth of their second child. After she passed away he journeyed to England for two years before returning and later marrying his second wife, Elizabeth Corbin, who was also from a family of wealth and governance in VA. He is known to have a minimum of 16 children from the two marriages.

When his older brother died in 1761, Braxton became the wealthiest man in Virginia and of all of the signers of the Declaration. His holdings were so large that even after selling off large amounts of land for the war effort he still owned over 12,000 acres of farmland and 165 slaves after the Revolutionary War ended. With more land than cash to fund operations, he sold off 3500 acres over the next half dozen years and gave away many of his slaves to other family members and farmers. By the time of his death he had sold off or gave away more land to the point he only owned about 3900 acres. He differed from the other grandsons of his maternal grandfather as he wanted to continue slavery while they did not.

During his life he became very involved in politics and served in various roles from The House of Burgesses to county sheriff to colonel of a local militia. Considered a moderate to conservative in politics he was personally conflicted about independence and the war. Prior to the Declaration he served as intermediary when the Brits stole gunpowder owned by the colonists in VA. He negotiated a compromise financial settlement between Patrick Henry and his father in law who was a loyalist in government, Corbin, to settle it without conflict. For many years he could work in both worlds of the colonists and Brits while trying to bring compromise and mediate disputes.

However, the time came when he had to choose.

When Peyton Randolph of VA died in 1775 and John Hancock stepped into his role as President of the Continental Congress, Braxton was chosen to replace Randolph. It was in that role in 1776 that he signed the Declaration. It was an act that he took despite misgivings. He felt it was premature and had issued a pamphlet of his views to counter those of John Adams in his “Thoughts on Government”. However, he valued the unity of the colonists and agreed in consensus with the other signers. He then returned to his home soon afterwards and resumed roles in VA government, politics and with his plantation holdings.

No serious historian would question his commitment to the war efforts after signing. He gave and loaned a large amount of his wealth to the effort. During the war he lost half of his shipping interests and racked up large war debts that he struggled to repay. At one point he was even censured by the Continental Congress when his men illegally seized a neutral Portuguese vessel. He was constantly involved in business disputes and lawsuits. He basically was a royal pain in the azz from life’s challenges. The Brits inflicted great damage to many of his plantation holdings. His own business operations practices also created hardships as he made many mistakes. After the war he eventually moved to Richmond and more modest housing as he worked through his many financial mishaps. It is there where he is believed to have died after suffering a stroke that paralyzed him in 1797 at the age of 61. He was buried at his beloved Chericoke Plantation that is still owned by his descendants today.

He had outlived all five of his sons. However, there were many grandchildren that were produced from his children. A number of his descendants fought in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. A great grandson, John W. Stevenson served terms in the U. S House of Representatives, as a Senator, and as Governor of KY.

The years that followed his death have helped enhance his legacy. He is now seen as instrumental in winning the war, that his financial commitment to the cause was critical to the victory. During the gunpowder theft scandal it was his negotiation that kept Patrick Henry and men from engaging in a poorly thought out attack that would have caused the destruction of the town in the British response. In much the same manner he acted as a moderate to negotiate a resolution over unpopular duty taxes charged by the British before the war in VA.

Braxton was sympathetic toward the British and their interests often, but would never be considered a loyalist. He wanted to exhaust all avenues of compromise before resulting to more extreme measures. It is in that willingness to negotiate and seek common ground that he excelled. He became a legendary American hero despite being a large slave owner because he was willing to put all of his wealth on the line and work in government roles for the America he loved.

Thomas McKean

This one will take awhile. The historian and media focus seems to be on other founding fathers more often. But there are some real jewels for those who enjoy researching parallels and interconnections like I do. Hold on to your hats.

Thomas McKean was born in New London, PA in 1734. His father immigrated to America in 1720 and was a tavern owner. Thomas’ mother, Letitia, passed away when he was still a child in 1742. This led to his father becoming an alcoholic and incapable of raising their three children, so Thomas’ sister went to live with an uncle and aunt while he and his older brother, Robert, were taken into a school operated by Presbyterian minister Francis Alison in New Castle, DE. It was there he grew in all aspects of being a boy as well as in his studies. A noted Latin scholar, Rev. Alison was a leader of the Old Side (order and tradition) versus New Side (Great Awakening/Whitefield) struggle within the Presbyterian Church during the period. With the two sides reconciling in 1758, Rev. Alison continued to take the Old Side interpretation of theology.

At this point it is important to note that Thomas McKean is not the only signer of the Declaration of Independence that directly studied under Rev. Francis Alison in New Castle. It seems signers George Read and James Smith were his students as well. In addition the Secretary of the Continental Congress, Charles Thomson, also studied under Rev. Alison. Their foundational understanding of life and its application as well as education were rooted in the mentorship and teachings of one of the greats of the Presbyterian faith.

Funny, those truths never seem to make it into many of the historical accounts, publications and media reports about the clear interconnections of many of our patriot founders and their adherence to Christian principles in how they led and governed our nation. Rev. Alison was also a noted leader in the Philadelphia Synod of the American Presbyterian Church. He was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin who took a special assignment from same to assist in teaching and the development of the College of Philadelphia, which is now known as Ivy League school Penn. This is the school that educated eight future signers of the Declaration and twelve future signers of the Constitution, including Gouvenor Morris, the brother of Lewis Morris we discussed in the previous part. See link below.

Penn Signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

Rev. Alison was a defender of Presbyterian theology in opposition to the influence of the Church of England. He stood with both feet firmly planted with American patriots. Finally, he was the founder of New Ark Academy that eventually merged into the institution that later became the University of Delaware. It is clear that Rev. Alison was a man of great accomplishment and value for the kingdom of God as well as this nation.

Among other connections through the years there is a major current connection, Donald J. Trump. The same Donald Trump that attended Penn University and graduated from its Wharton School of Business in 1968. The same Donald Trump whose mother was a Gaelic speaking Scottish Presbyterian who had immigrated to the States in 1930 and married Donald’s father, Fred, in 1936 at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church with its Old Side theology and connections decades before to member, Andrew Carnegie.

Fred Trump was already established as a real estate developer in the Queens area. Mary Anne MacLeod Trump became a naturalized citizen in 1942. Donald and all of his siblings were raised in the Old Side Presbyterian faith. A Christian worldview that has been expanded with his political career as POTUS that has introduced him to more evangelical elements of Christianity that would have common interests with the Presbyterian New Side and George Whitefield. Benjamin Franklin had commissioned a great preaching hall at the school where he wanted his close friend Whitefield to preach while there at Penn. Until 2020, Penn displayed a statute of Whitefield on its grounds. They placed it in storage to accommodate the woke cancel culture at that point.

Is it any wonder that Donald J. Trump is a flag loving American patriot with a historically rich Christian background? What Rev. Alison helped start at the behest of the American patriot great, Benjamin Franklin, is flowing through his veins. We see our heritage unfolding before us and why Donald Trump is willing to take a bullet for all of us. I dare say that no POTUS has ever worked harder for his country with more focus and dedication to American values than him.

Knowing this history, it is then no surprise that Thomas McKean was known to work harder and in more positions of service than any other signer of the Declaration. He learned at the feet of a master, which continued into the practice of law. After he finished school with Rev. Alison in 1750 he left and moved in with his uncle, John Finney, a wealthy attorney. He studied law there and passed the Delaware bar four years later. In 1753 he married his first wife, Mary Borden of Bordentown. Once again we find connections to the Revolutionary War era with local Bordentown resident Francis Hopkinson signing the Declaration along with Thomas Paine living there. Thomas McKean and his wife had six children together in the years that followed until her passing in 1763. A year later Thomas reconnected with a woman from his youth, Sarah Armitage, who was a toddler friend before he had been taken in by Rev. Alison. They married and moved to Philadelphia where they had four children together.

McKean was active in many roles throughout the region that ranged from law to holding government offices as well as in the military. He identified as a Country Party member in Delaware that supported independence from the British. The Court Party were loyalists. McKean’s family arrived from Britain as Irish Presbyterian refugees known as Scotch-Irish (Scots-Irish). The slogan “no taxation without representation ” originated with northern Irish Presbyterians and Catholics who were not allowed to vote in Parliament. McKean became a noted leader and represented Delaware in the Stamp Act Congress of 1765 along with Caesar Rodney. This work eventually led to the Continental Congress accepting the recommendation of McKean on voting procedures. The Congress of the Articles of Confederation adopted the practice and as a result, the young nation established the value of the equality of states in the composition of the U. S. Senate.

Despite living in Philadelphia, McKean remained a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress representing Delaware. When it came time to vote for independence, the vote was split with McKean for it and George Read against it, which meant a tie for the state and no agreement. This led to McKean sending word to Caesar Rodney, the third DE delegate, to ride all night to come vote and break the tie. He did so and Delaware voted for independence. A few days later McKean joined the Fourth Battalion militia of the Philadelphia Associators that had been created by Benjamin Franklin, rising to the rank of colonel. The battalion joined in Gen. Washington’s defense in battles in New York and New Jersey. Having left soon after the vote to join the military, McKean did not sign the Declaration initially. It is speculated he signed after certification, possibly as late as 1781.

Not all went well in Delaware when other officials learned of the independence vote as the Court Party stood in direct opposition and all citizens were wary. McKean and Rodney were not reelected to their roles in the Congress as many sided with the loyalists or were fearful. That is until the Brits occupation of the colony/state after the Battle of Brandywine. Moods and attitudes changed quickly and McKean was reelected back to Congress in 1777. However, McKean and his family remained on the move as he was a top target of British forces. He and his family relocated five times in just a few years to stay out of their reach.

He served in Congress throughout the war and drafted The Articles of Confederation in 1783. He served in Delaware’s House of Assembly for several years beginning in 1776. For a brief period he was chosen as President of the Congress for an interim period. He also worked on keeping civic order and recruiting militia in Delaware during the period.

While all that was going on in the Congress and Delaware, McKean was also Chief Justice in Pennsylvania. Yup, he served in that capacity for 22 years. This service led to him being elected Governor of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1808. He was noted for expanding free education and leading the local war effort in the War of 1812 at age 80. He spent his retirement in Philadelphia writing, talking politics, and enjoying the wealth he had gained with business and real estate investments. He passed away in 1817 at age 83 and is buried in Philadelphia. He was honored by many and there were probably just as many detractors at various points in his productive life. He had served an Assemblyman, Judge, Delegate, President of Congress, State Representative, Chief Justice, and Governor for a total of 36 terms over 42 years in three states (PA, DE, NJ), often holding office or acting in an official capacity in more than one state at the same time.

During his time as Chief Justice of PA, his decisions became part of the basis of the future ruling of Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury vs. Madison that freed the way for SCOTUS to overturn an unconstitutional law. It is a basic legal principle that applies to this day.

It is mind boggling that he survived all of his experiences and had time to be married and have ten children. I have linked a bullet point style summary of the man, events and his many accomplishments for those who want to know more.

McKean, Thomas

Our government and judiciary today use principles and conduct business using practices that Thomas McKean established prior to, during and after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War. He is a legendary American patriot.

Conclusion

There is only time to discuss two signers and the great grandson of one to keep this part from running too long. As we read we need to think about their actual lives. For example, we can clearly see that Thomas McKean was a workaholic that operated at a furious pace with a quick, highly intelligent mind that could accomplish many great things. We also see that he did so with zero concern for the potential personal repercussions. He did what he thought was right and damn the consequences. He seem to have developed this disciplined approach to life as a child and young adult from the mentorship of Rev. Alison and his uncle.

With Carter Braxton we see a man of great wealth and historical standing in the colonies with loyalist friends. He felt pulled between two worlds, yet, knew that what the King and Brits were doing was wrong and harmful to the colonists and their families. He saw the need to act as an intermediary attempting to find compromise to help prevent harm to either side, but in the end chose the way of freedom for the nation even if he did see that as something his slaves might be worthy of as well. When he committed, it was all in and the treasury of America was the beneficiary when they needed it most to battle the oppressors. He died with far less than he had, having given away much to the war effort as well as to family members during the last years of his life.

Both of these signers were larger than life figures. They had many people who thought highly of them as well as many detractors. However, the war results hung in the balance and may never have tipped in the colonists favor without them.

There is ample history to write about concerning the signers’ achievements and failures. Whereas the great, great grandson of Carter Braxton, William Tyler Page, served as a humble civil servant in a support role of a government apparatus that grew into the one we MAGA types abhor today. He worked most of his career as a clerk in the House of Representatives with involvement in the U. S. Flag Association. He married, had five children and passed away at age 74 in 1942. Yet, he left Americans with something we should all ascribe to believe and be for as long as America exists. He is also an America patriot, just like so many people who serve America without fanfare today.

God bless America.

American Stories: When in the Course of human events…

November 5, 2024 happened. It is time. God answered the prayers and groanings of His faithful as well as all MAGA supporters with an intervention. We start this story by going back in history to build the foundation. It was also a time of God’s intervention into human events.

Most people ignore or gloss over what transpired with the negotiations and collective agreement of the content that is stated in the Declaration of Independence. They acknowledge its importance, just do not really pay much attention to how it came to be. The vast majority of Americans are clueless as to its content and relevance to life in America today, nearly 250 years later.

Instead of spending time on discussing the Declaration’s content, I have posted a link below. As an American you owe it to yourself and your country to study the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as if your life on this planet depended upon it. Your children and grandchildren should be taught its content and importance; do not count on the schools to do so. If you are unfamiliar or need a reminder, please read it because my story is about some of the people who conceived, executed and risked all for the contents of that critical document that led to the establishment of the United States of America.

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

What was the foundational concept of the Declaration? It was a Biblically inspired belief in the natural rights of mankind as expressed in the document itself. What was the background of the signers in regards to this belief system? From the following link,

Professing Faith: The religious foundations that bolstered the Declaration of Independence

comes this statement.

“Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration, the great majority, perhaps all, identified themselves as Christians, and all but one were Protestants. Four were either present or former ministers, and a number of the signers were the sons of clergy. At least half of them had studied “divinity” at their various universities.  The denominations breakdown runs as follows: 32 of the signers, well over half, were Episcopalians, or Anglicans, the old state Church of England. There were 13 Congregationalists, 12 were Presbyterians. There were two Quakers, two Unitarians, and one Roman Catholic.“

If that statement is correct and I have no reason to believe it is not, we can clearly determine that Biblical faith formed the basis of their world view as well as that of the future nation.

The ensuing implementation of the Declaration led to war, lost battles and this…

https://www.nps.gov/vafo/learn/historyculture/valley-forge-history-and-significance.htm

Which eventually led to this…

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/surrender-british-general-cornwallis-americans-october

I hope you have reacquainted yourself with the document and the period in this brief tour of American history at its founding. I contend that it is that same American spirit that charges through the words of the Declaration of Independence that led to the greatest, ongoing experiment in national governance in world history. It is a spirit that is very much alive and expressed by the massive America First MAGA movement today, whose spirit is spreading like wildfire worldwide.

Not all of the 56 signers were present during the discussions and negotiations that surrounded the production of the document. They signed on anyway. They knew what was at stake and agreed in principle with the contents of the document. In this series we are going to dig down into understanding their roles and who many of them were as human beings. We need to personally identify with their commitment such that we may be emboldened to go and do likewise. This series will focus on many of these brave patriots.

Hint: They acted a lot like many America First MAGA patriots do today. Quite a few were from wealth and dignified. A handful were truly messed up people. Others were heroic and inspirational. Some were bombastic and others were pensive. A large number were highly educated and accomplished. Others were less educated, yet enlightened and committed to the cause. Blended together they gave us the foundational start for a truly blessed nation.

John Hancock

The signature of the first to execute it, John Hancock from Massachusetts, was the most flamboyant and recognizable of all. It reflected his popularity during that day. He was orphaned as a youth and adopted by a wealthy merchant uncle. He interned in the business, graduated from Harvard College at 17 and eventually inherited a vast wealth when his uncle died in 1763. The assets were said to be the largest in all of New England. Prior to the rise of the American patriots; that wealthy, elite standing would have placed him in the midst of the society of British loyalists in the colonies. However, John Hancock rejected that standing as time moved on and joined the independence movement. He was in the company of John and Samuel Adams, the latter being a political mentor, while becoming deeply involved in the republican movement in New England. In 1768, his sloop the Liberty was impounded by the British for allegedly carrying contraband. This accusation inspired a large group of local patriots to storm the customs post, burn the government’s boat and beat up its officers. The officers retreated to a British ship offshore. It was not long afterwards that Hancock helped lead and strongly support the Boston Tea Party.

When Peyton Randolph resigned from the Continental Congress in 1776, Hancock became President. England decreed a large reward for his capture and other patriot leaders later that year. Hancock’s comments upon signing the Declaration with large, easy to read handwriting were, “The British ministry can read that name without spectacles, let them double their reward.” One who had so much to lose, who could have easily gone along to get along; gave without reservation to America and his fellow patriots.

It was a big 🖕 you to the oppressors of the colonists. A spirit that has long prevailed in our nation.

What is not discussed much in historical accounts is all of the relationships, entanglements, misfortunes, twists and turns of the life of this as well as many other patriots. Some historians suggest Hancock was disappointed that Washington was given command of the Continental Army. Yet, we know that he held great respect for Washington and the two worked well together in the affairs of the young nation. What was true by this point was that his mentor from the early days, Samuel Adams, had soured on Hancock as he considered him vain and extravagant, unbecoming of a republican leader. Despite his wealth suffering from the war, Hancock always gave greatly to the poor and needy. He was generous to so many and the people idolized him.

His political career was a picture of ups and downs, as were his military leadership skills during the war. Yet, his reputation and support never really suffered for it. Throughout the war period he was loved and was elected governor of Massachusetts in 1780 with over 90% of the vote. He served terms there as well as being elected as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention among other elected posts.

There have been many supporters and many detractors of Hancock that continued over the 2+ centuries that have followed; owed in large part because he did not leave much in the way of journals or letters for historians to use to make their assessments. Obviously, too much that has been stated about him came from information gained from his detractors as they were not shy in writing their commentaries (much like today). What he did have that could never be discarded or ignored was the overwhelming support of We the People (sound familiar?).

Despite his wealth and societal acceptance, he chose to give his all for America. He cast off the British crown and became an American patriot. Well before the war he had married into the politically prominent Quincy family with whom he had two children. He died in 1793 at 56 years old with his loyal wife, Dorothy, by his bedside. He had suffered from gout most of his life and it eventually led to his death. Even Samuel Adams, the acting Governor, reconciled to the greatness of the man as he led the efforts to provide a lavish funeral and declared its day a state holiday.

Guess Who?

Shall we step into the shoes of the next founding father?

You have lived a life of wealth and privilege as a 4th generation colonist with deep British roots. You are a graduate of Yale and have numerous real estate and business holdings that you received as inheritance. Your ancestors had immigrated to America and built the family’s business empire as loyal British subjects. Over the years as they passed away this led to you assuming control as an adult. You marry Mary Walton of the prominent merchant Walton family. You expand your family’s holdings and eventually become the 8th colonial governor of New Jersey. Local residents in one area even name a town after you. Life has been exceptionally good, but now you are faced with a difficult decision that will have lasting consequences on not only you and your family, but on your fellow colonists. The rulers of the colonies have ordered your vast property holdings and real estate development interests to be seized. However, they tell you that if you decline to vote for liberty that your holdings will be spared and life can go on as it has been. This is an offer that is extended as a courtesy due to your great grandfather and his brother having served with honor and high rank in Cromwell’s army in the English Civil War in the previous century; which eventually led to similar military involvement currently with a brother and half brother located in the colonies. They know your decision will be one of great influence on your fellow restless, angry colonists.

With all of this family history, work, and social standing you respond to the offer with, “There are plenty of homes but only one country.” To summarize – 🖕Brits.

It does not stop there. Your brother who is a General in the British army follows up and tells you not to not sign that document or you will lose everything. Your half-brother, Gouverneur Morris, does likewise even though he sides with the colonists. You hesitate after the safety of your family becomes a question. Once reassured by General Washington that they will be safe and it comes time to sign or walk away you respond with, “Damn the consequences. Give me the pen.” Once again – a big🖕Brits. Your family of a wife and ten children are driven into exile.

You then proceed to lose all of your property holdings and money in the exchange from the sacrifices of war.

Over time you become a hero and icon in the Revolutionary War and legislature that leads to your nation’s founding. You first give up your seat in the Continental Congress to your brother, Gouverneur, and become a General in the Continental Army under Washington. In 1777 you also return to roles in governance in the New York legislature and later become a county judge. After the war you return to your 2000 acre farm and begin the process of restoring what had been burned down by the Brits. Over time three of your sons join the military and become officers; a General, a Colonel and a Lieutenant. They later go on to serve with honor and distinction in the War of 1812.

You continue to serve your nation until your death in 1798 at age 71. Prior to your death in 1790 you offer your land as the site to house the U. S. Capital. It is now part of the South Bronx neighborhood known as Morrisania. Upon your death you are buried in the family vault on the property of St. Anne’s Church in the Bronx.

Your name is Lewis Morris of Bronx County, New York, a legendary American patriot.

Thomas Lynch, Jr.

I am sure some are asking, “Who?” Other than reading his signature on the document, most probably know very little about him. Yet, this young patriot contributed during a critical time in the lead up to the war in important ways that cannot be easily measured. His efforts had very little to do with military exploits on the battlefield. His gifts were of persuasion and concern for family and countrymen. He did his thing, after which, he disappeared.

Yes, there is more, a mixed bag like all of us. Privilege, good deeds and decisions, love, suffering, sorrow, poor decisions, and tragedy are in his story.

Thomas Lynch, Jr. was born in the Georgetown, SC area in 1749 on the Hopsewee Plantation his family owned. He was sent to England to study at Cambridge University, graduated and stayed to study law. After eight years away he returned home in 1772 and married Paige Shubrick, whom he courted prior to going to England. He was active in the family’s plantation operations as a planter, having no interest in going into law despite his education. He became politically engaged immediately as his father was a noted patriot in the independence movement who later signed on the Continental Association. His father had a serious stroke while serving in this role, so at age 26, young Lewis stepped in as a representative of the Continental Congress.

Upon his return to South Carolina and with independence in the wind, he was soon commissioned a captain and company commander in the South Carolina First Regiment under famous Col. Thomas Pinckney. He recruited men from his region to join the unit.

https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/patriots_sc_capt_thomas_lynch_jr.html

Unfortunately, while in his role with the regiment he soon fell ill from bilious fever (tick bite) before he could take full command of the unit he had recruited for the war effort. He never fully recovered. News soon came that his father’s health was again severely declining and he received permission to go to Philadelphia as a representative of the state where his father was serving in the Continental Congress. This led to him at age 27 to become the youngest signer on the Declaration of Independence as he stepped into his father’s role once again. While still there he made a fierce defense for the use of slaves on the plantations and threatened South Carolina’s secession if there were illegal attempts to end the practice. Later that year as he and his father made their way home, his father passed away from a second stroke.

Lynch stayed in South Carolina and lived with his wife at their Peachtree Plantation in the South Santee River area, one of three he owned. His health continued to be a lingering, serious problem. He and his wife took the advice of friends to relocate to Europe to see if a different environment might help. With the young nation still at war they could not leave through normal sea routes, so they chose to travel to the West Indies first. From there they planned to travel to Europe. They left for the destination on the brigantine, Polly, on December 17, 1779. They never arrived. The ship, crew and passengers were never heard from again. After becoming the youngest of the Declaration signers, at age 30, Thomas Lynch, Jr. became the youngest of the signers to die.

Lynch’s contributions beyond those stated above were his passion and ability to encourage others in the patriotic pursuit of independence. He was a brilliant orator and motivator of the people. He was aware of his impact on others and served as an inspiration to the people who knew him during the fight for independence.

Common Themes

Throughout this series you will note common themes. In this part and as will also be present in others; each of these colonists became American heroes at a critical juncture in our nation’s formation. These and many other signers first arrived on this planet from families that came from wealth and strongly rooted British backgrounds. They were privileged with strong educational training. They were disciplined in their pursuits. They had advantages that average colonists would never experience. However, this was important in the organization of the young nation. Their understanding of law, governance and industry while embracing the principles of natural rights, liberty and freedom would serve the needs of We the People well.

Yet, all three in this story as well as the other signers rejected the haughty attitudes of the Brits and loyalists with whom they had lived for so long and maintained relations. The interconnections from long held family relationships had proven very difficult to navigate. All three in this story chose a different path for themselves and their fellow colonists. They did so without reservation and remained faithful to the pursuit of freedom until death. Their devoted spouses were at their side when each passed away. The newly formed states of their origins proudly memorialized their contributions, which still affect the course of our nation today.

These were three American heroes who gave their all for their fellow Americans in the spirit of the words in the founding document they all signed in defiance of their oppressors. May we go and do likewise.

God bless America.

American Stories: Thanksgiving Edition – Welcome To The Golden Age

We are living long enough to witness something that does not appear to have been done before. Ever. It is time to give thanks for it.

In the history of the world it is likely that there has never been a dominating empire whose government was a representative republic of private citizens. Governments appear to have always been in authority over the people with the support of the elites and powerful – the ruling class. The people were the subjects of the government. That is not true for Americans per our founding documents. America is the beneficiary of the providence of God through the vision of our forefathers who acted against oppression and sought a better way.

Which is why oppressors have attempted to destroy us internally and externally since conception. This has led to the current awakening of the majority of American citizens after decades of deception and corruption. The first response to this awakening led to the events of November 8, 2016. It was a shot over the bow at the oppressors, traitors and seditionists. The war had begun for the soul of America.

Fast forward.

November 5, 2024

We all know what happened after Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016. There is no point in rehashing it or discussing many of the things and people involved behind the scenes and in front of the cameras. There are devils and demons everywhere. Most do not even realize that is who they are. We just seem to forget at times there have been many patriots and heroes working against them. Which has led to positive changes for average citizens even with the DC instigated chaos created against President Trump during the first term.

Over the years a complete disconnect from the desires of the citizens has infected many politicians and their unelected administrative minions. That ends now. Politicians who go with business as usual will be isolated by the executive branch and We the People, then voted out of office or otherwise identified as enemies of the people. Their administrative state cronies are going out the door with them. The reason that will happen over the coming years is because We the People have seen the strings and we cannot unsee them. Citizen journalists have taken over to inform us and transparency reigns. To maintain their credibility these sources of information have to disclose the facts and evidence. They are not dependent on advertisers to cover the massive overheads and compensation of the propagandist talking heads in the fake news industry. As a result they are nimble, close to the people and operate without filters for the most part.

To be sure, MAGA will still need to vet the citizen journalists. Some can be influenced and bought like their fake counterparts. However, We the People know we should do that now and as a result will sort out the posers much more quickly and efficiently. That is a profound change from past practice.

A little alphabet letter birdie hooked many of us and sent us on a journey we will never forget.

WWG1WGA.

We the People have become emboldened by having a popular supposed felon’s back, President-Elect Trump, and staring down the enemy no matter the threats and potential costs. As a result it is time to discuss some major parts of this American reconstruction period we will be seeing now that the bigger war is trending toward a successful, “winning” conclusion.

World Cooperation

Respect oozes out of world leaders for Donald Trump and normal American people. They really don’t want to cross him, they want to make deals and find ways to work together. They know he is a man’s man. Look what is already happening worldwide and the man is still two months away from going back to the White House. They know he is not a politician. He is a pragmatic businessman icon with a true vision of what is best for America, which consequently improves all of their situations if they play their cards right. A rising tide lifts all boats. POTUS-Elect Trump understands win-win and will not go with win-lose unless it is the opponents who are losing and they are enemies of We the People.

Peace is returning. Business expansion and better living conditions are on the way. The world will become more secure, predictable…and happy.

World Economics and Politics

If you move your investments out of the stock market because Trump won you may be certifiably insane. Even his enemies are jumping on for that ride.

Multi-polarity is a real thing. The USMCA and all of his bi-lateral trade agreements with world governments from the first term have already informed you. His acceptance and acknowledgement of BRICS+ is further evidence as is his open acknowledgement and acceptance of a place for crypto. Where you will likely see a slow down in BRICS+ development plans is their move away from the dollar as the basis of the world economy. Vlad and Russia have already indicated their willingness to deal in dollars. President- Elect Trump is going to go after reestablishment of the dollar as the world’s currency with fervor. Investing in America will be cool again.

With multi-polarity we can expect North America to become a more cohesive economic system with greater cooperation from Mehico and Canada. Mehico will act tough and independent at times, but it is all bluster. They know they are toast without us as 25% of their economic production is sold into America. The cartels eventually will be the losers, nothing more than rogue bands of criminals that will be disposed through greater cooperation between agencies and military. Mehico really has no choice. The off the books dark money that funded them through the clowns and other seditionists will be drying up over time with DOGE and Bobby at HHS. Mehico is on notice as are many South and Central America nations who have opened their doors to China’s fentanyl as well as other drug and human trafficking trades.

The NWO and its Barry/Brandon Show overstepped their way into blowing Germany out of being a serious contender for world leadership through their continued support of Islamic immigration (invasion), fascism and Nazis. If Trump pulls back militarily from that country or deemphasizes NATO they will be at bankruptcy. So guess who is going to be buying energy from America and making other concessions? There is no European Union of note without a strong Germany. The Germany and EU that remains will be greatly weakened due to the stupidity and corruption of their leaders, other than the few who have been solidly in Trump’s’ camp for some time like Orban. It should spawn positive change from within the EU over time.

The Muslim Brotherhood is done as are their American promoters, Barry and Cankles, except in their own backyard. No mo money for scum buckets. The Saudis have also strongly assisted with that. Iran is already in retreat mode, cozying up even closer to Vlad, who PDT gets along with well. All of it means stability in world markets. That means there is money to be made for those with investment funds, 401(k)’s and such. With personal income tax rates on a downward trend as a percentage of income, the average working men and women are going to have opportunities to recover from Brandon’s inept criminal appointment as POTUS and improve their financial situations. Say hello to a larger, more well heeled middle class who will become prime, MAGA GOP voters. My advice is to seize on the opportunity.

As far as daily life goes expect lower energy, grocery, and household item prices compared to household incomes. Incomes overall will rise. Employers will be competing hard for sufficient quality staffing with the significant reduction of illegals, stiffer immigration procedures and the element of depop still being felt. That drives up wages and benefits for everybody. There is more money to be made in investments as well as to use with larger purchases with a lowering percentage of cash outflow compared to income, so expect housing and the automotive industry to take off again. We know the drill, we lived it for four years in Trump’s first term. Banks will be lending again because times will be good. That industry will have good profitability and they will lose their fear of bad times as regulators loosen the grips that Brandon’s economic control thugs wielded.

Which makes the propagandist diatribes against efforts to curb illegal immigration even more ridiculous than it is. America is going to need millions more workers in various trades including housing and agriculture. Well vetted worker visas will be a valuable tool to assist. That will make it even easier for our citizen hispanic population to continue their moves toward the GOP. In reality they have far more in common with the MAGA GOP than the Dems.

The difference in big picture this time around is the looming defeat of the old WEF/NWO fraudsters. They are in full retreat worldwide and threats to their existence will accelerate. Many people are hedging their bets, expecting the heavy shoe of these criminals to drop because it has happened before. I call that emotion the Battered Normie Syndrome (BNS). I am and have not been in that camp, I am too contrarian to ever give in to criminals.

In my opinion there may be setbacks, but nothing that MAGA will not overcome. The left has no bench of political candidates except in economically and culturally declining blue crapholes. There is literally nobody who can galvanize existing and create additional support on a national level. The Bob Casey loss in PA was ground shaking for them and reveals cracks in even Gov. Shapiro’s armor, who was their next star. It revealed that a growing majority of the people in the rust belt who were formerly in their camp are over them. These leftists are devoid of solid, potentially productive ideas. They only run against people and stuff using tired fear porn phrases with nothing new to add. Their tired old socialist and communist strategies are falling on more deaf ears now. More people are waking up that have traditionally always pulled a donkey tail. They are realizing as the T-shirts say, “Life is Good”, and rejecting the death advocates. They will find that life is indeed good on the right side of history. MAGA folks blew the criminals off long ago.

Conversely the GOP is deep with MAGA candidates on the federal and state office level with more in development at the local. It is not even close. As a result when the BNS folks start reaping more of the benefits it will be eye opening and stick. Some have already learned to believe nothing the propagandist media tells them. The election this month proved it. Fake polls, politician endorsements (except for Trump) and the views of condescending rich celebrities are not the influence they once were. They heard the pronouncements of the pending Harris/Dem victories and watched as the election results revealed the lies. The blue wall crumbled like a cookie because real people tossed out convention and tradition for practical help and the hope for better. The propagandist TV ratings are tubing, many people are no longer watching them and fewer folks believe what they hear.

Continued pressure on election cheating and using the courts to effect change will increase the margins of victory over time. Who does not know there are still 20+ million fraudulent leftist votes in the federal election system? Watch the totals and percentages gradually dwindle down for the criminals with more judicial screw turning for election security along with the illegals hitting the trails, roads and airways home.

Many such factors lead to my opinion that you bet bullish on America with your personal finances and through living well. Expect America to create a rising tide to lift our international business partners. This is why I posted a few years ago to reduce your debts. You needed to conserve cash for investing. You needed to go conservative in the retirement plan to be in position to be more aggressive with your investment choices today.

We have arrived at our long desired and anticipated destination.

In America there is one fundamental principle of existence in play. It is that our personal views on life itself matter. Desire abundance and life? Choose MAGA GOP. Prefer scarcity and death? Choose Dem/RINO. People’s choices with this principle reflect who they are. Believe them. Our role is to teach others who will listen and consider a better way while making disciples for MAGA. Give no quarter to those who refuse to listen or remain in the Dem/RINO camp politically. Shut them down with truth.

In The Weeds

First, if you are not knowledgeable or want a review of economic indicators, please read the summary link below. It will help.

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/020215/top-ten-us-economic-indicators.asp

Now, for the nerds – I ignore the CPI index for understanding inflation. It has been rigged for decades along with many statistics quoted in the lamestream business reports. As government has become more and more politicized (corrupted), so have the statistics. Which is why they always revisit them a few months or years later and restate. These restatements are nearly always negative adjustments from what leftist leaders initially report. Fact.

Instead I focus on the personal consumption expenditures price index (PCE) from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. CPI runs higher than PCE. I focus on PCE because the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) uses it more to make recommendations to the Federal Reserve on inflation pressures, to which the Fed reacts and typically concurs. PCE is not immune to their tinkering, just less so. It gives a better picture of what consumers are actually facing. So if you want to know what to expect and why from the Fed, monitor that index and see how the Fed views it in their communications. Below is a good recent summary from the Cleveland Fed. The index is viewed in the same manner by most Fed banks.

https://www.clevelandfed.org/center-for-inflation-research/consumer-price-data

Now for the fun part, what games will Trump play with Powell and the Fed until he replaces him? We know it will lead to more honest representations of the data and approaches of the Fed, Treasury, Commerce, etc. use. It will all become real again instead of the Kabuki Theater we see now. I will not address what I believe happens to the Federal Reserve System itself long term. I believe it will take a POTUS term beyond our President-Elect for a permanent solution.

😉

Now as to the current view…

One financial analyst’s opinion is below. You will note that he is educated guessing while trying to draw comparisons and utilizing very little understanding or referencing to the absolute meat cleaver Trump is going to take to government spending through DOGE and HHS among other departments in government.

https://www.ft.com/content/49af1a6a-0817-42a1-b9e4-1455fc657ccb

I admire his willingness to guess, albeit dumbly and without the use of tea leaves in my opinion.

To illustrate: Assume your personal family situation is as a working married couple with a large mortgage, car payments and kids in school. You go into work one day and there is a letter for you or the spouse that states one of you is out of a job from a layoff, company closure, whatever. (As a side note, I hope currently unknown large numbers of federally employed administrative azzhats receive said letter in January, but I digress.) Odds are with such a large hit to your family income coming, you will be faced with choices on what expenses to cut; possibly selling a car or house in a worst case. At the same time you find other costs you can reduce or eliminate like Junior’s Ivy League college expenses, and so on. You try to muddle through it the best you can and hope to find a decent job quickly to replace the lost income until better days come.

Now substitute the term “married couple” with “America” from the above. The mortgage and car payments are the national debt service. The kids in school are the social network needs of the citizens. The layoffs and job losses are obvious; thank you China and others via the globalists and other criminals who have no regard for America and the needs of our citizens. This is a result on the imbalance in trade.

I will provide a simple, practical example here for readers who do not know. If we buy more foreign goods than we produce and sell, more dollars are held in foreign hands. The globalists and political idgits claim those dollars return to America in the form of buying our nation’s debt, (Treasuries), real estate, etc. as investments. First off, that is no longer the case. Many nations who formerly invested heavily in our debt have drastically reduced their exposure or have divested due to our exploding deficits from spend crazy politicians. China would be high on that list, the nation we spend more for imported products than any other on earth. Dollars have been going out to them without an equal amount of dollars coming in to keep us in equilibrium. Second, why would anybody think it is a good thing to bring dollars back through the issuance of debt (Treasuries) and selling our land to foreign adversaries? We have to pay interest on all that debt, which compounds the problem. That negatively affects every single American. Yet, the politicians and propagandist media tell all of us daily it is a good thing and we will be fine.

Understand, our government will never borrow its way out of debt despite their continuing best efforts. Don’t get me started on the stupidity of our politicians and administrative state in going all in with Quantitative Easing. It causes my blood pressure to escalate too high.

So if any talking heads act like the deficit of the Balance of Trade is unimportant, turn off your TV or hearing aids. Our national leadership, as do many citizens, violate a principle of life that never changes. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Our nation did this willingly with the rise of globalist influence within our federal government to rebuild nations destroyed by WW II. They saw it as an opportunity to gain huge wealth and power. They used the national treasury and wealth of We the People as their personal piggybanks and still do. Which is why they have tried to ruin and kill the head of the MAGA snake in their minds, President Trump.

He has been the rightful POTUS since 2016 as all MAGA knows. We know what the globalist criminals did and they hate us for it.

With this in mind let’s go back to the married couple example. It gets worse for you and your family. You see and now comprehend that America has more than stubbed its toe by electing the wrong leaders, or worse yet, a bunch of criminals who game the system and take over. You begin to comprehend that with their co-conspirators in the Fed they create even more inflation through printing money to handle globalist desires, proxy wars and scamdemics. You see what is good for them is bad for you and your children.

Your discomfort grows. The propagandists on the evening news tell you that the national debt service and expenses are rising well beyond the nation’s ability to repay by say… 2 TRILLION dollars a year. They say Social Security and Medicare are even threatened. So the Treasury borrows even more funds from foreign mafias with strings attached that clear the way for turmoil and wars worldwide. They tell you the government simply has to pass that stop gap continuing resolution for more money printing or else, GASP!, the federal government will have to shut down except for essential services as there may be a financial apocalypse on the horizon. They begin talking about raising taxes and booting the Trump era tax cuts when they come up for renewal in 2025.

All of this is happening while you as a family simply want to earn enough money to pay the bills, eat healthy and give a future worth living to your kids.

Get the picture now? That was our reality in America until the new sheriff, who is the old sheriff, who is the only righful sheriff; rode back into town. We really were at the edge of the cliff about to fall off as a nation. It is like going from darkness to light. Which is why the Blue Wall fell. Most voters there knew they had no choice, they could not continue to support status quo even if it meant mean tweets again and the propagandists bitching all of the time. They responded in a too big to rig fashion.

The declining establishment and fake news media will continue to beat that same drum even though their masters lost. It will not matter that things are different and better. They are prostitutes and know of no other way to make a living. However, the reality is they lost and they know it. No amount of subterfuge and stalling by RINO’s and such can prevent the inevitable changes that provide a Golden Age for America and its international friends. It is coming down the tracks like a freight train.

President-Elect Trump, JD, Elon, Vivek, Bobby and many others will show you where to invest. Listen to their words and believe their actions. You do not need anybody else to help you do that. Just know that you cannot borrow your way out of debt and cutting expenses will rarely be enough to complete that task as well. Those are actions that a mature to declining nation undertakes, which is who America was before this election. To turn things around America has to return to the growth cycle. President-Elect Trump has already told you how and has already done it before. This time it needs to be institutionalized such that our enemies cannot disrupt it.

Going to growth from decline means selling off non-essential assets, shedding debt, shedding non-essential unproductive payroll, shedding meritless activities, tossing needless regulations, and so on. It takes investment capital (tariffs), an increasing commercial (preferably industrial focused) tax base and global capital investors willing to make new investments (I see you, Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick). It takes innovation and innovative people with outside the box thinking. It takes hard work as well as smart moves in the markets. It takes security agencies to reduce corporate spying and fraud to produce a more level playing field that is administered by law enforcement functions and the judiciary. Most of all it takes a federal government that serves the people and enables its citizens to succeed instead of the reverse, which is unlike what we have experienced in recent years.

A massive paradigm shift for America has occurred. Know it, act on it as applicable in your own lives.

Conclusion

I hope you have heard and seen all of that from the President-Elect and his inner circle. I know I have. I do not concern myself with second guessing his picks for the various cabinet roles. He has his reasons and if the wrong choice is made with any of them We the People will know it quickly and let him know about it. This time around he has a feel for the solid MAGA pulse, the authority to make the decisions and the apparatus to make the changes. No lawfare attempts to undermine him and supporters will succeed, just delay, so be patient. They did not succeed when he was a private citizen, they certainly will not now. The law has also changed in important areas such as with the Chevron Deference overturn. The SCOTUS has a Constitution supporting majority that will likely grow if the MAGA GOP can increase its involvement and Congressional dominance over the coming years.

I also know this approach and method works. We have followed this path for over two decades in Tennessee. We are not perfect, but we are definitely America First worthy. It came from We the People on the local ground level figuring things out, working hard, building alliances and consensus, building momentum that carried into the voting booths and the halls of our legislature and Governor’s office. Over time we gradually rooted the Dem and RINO influence and control out of our system of government. We have sustained via a super majority (75+%) in both House and Senate. We have a state Constitutionally required balanced budget as well as no personal income or estate taxes. The left tried to change them with amendments and were met with crushing defeats by the people because we have a secured election system and the Volunteer spirit in our bones. They no longer try because We the People made them pay for even attempting it – which was our “penalty” phase. Now when federal elections occur we know that at minimum over 60% of the statewide votes will be MAGA GOP. We still have a couple of RINO’s to root out, however, the only pockets of voter resistance are within blue crapholes in a couple of cities.

Our state was in the bottom third of the nation economically before We the People took over. For several years now our state has enjoyed a AAA bond rating from the agencies with a low tax burden on residents while issuing state record business license applications and strong growth in manufacturing. The government has a large rainy day fund and we offer free tuition and no fees to students attending community and technical colleges. These are all signs of a government serving the people as compared to being served.

Other than the long term leftist wacko in Memphis, Steve Cohen, all of our other eight elected officials in the House in DC are GOP to go with all key GOP state leaders. Senators Blackburn and Hagerty continue to perform well and fully support the MAGA movement with POTUS Trump’s endorsement. It should be clear to all of us that We the People simply need to trust the plan and do our parts all around the country as it is being done here and other MAGA states.

I believe in this nation of states, this republic. I believe the majority of Americans will return to a love of the Constitution along with freedom and liberty for all. That’s why I choose to ride with the America First…

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

American Stories: FIRE! – Part III Climate Change And The Great Smoky Mountain Fire Of 2016

Climate Change Fear Porn – It’s Alive!

Believe or die!

https://freebeacon.com/biden-administration/biden-harris-admin-warns-kindergartners-climate-change-will-leave-entire-us-cities-underwater

Our criminal dynamic duo always have to mess with the kids.

Just a suggestion for most folks, use common sense. Never accept a statement of the scientific community and media as fact before vetting the statement and them. The criminal cabal has infected most everything institutionally provided in our country. They have proven that to all of us repeatedly over a very long time.

Accept that there is no significant climate change created by mankind. Every prediction of imminent disaster has proven to be false, yet, was used for somebody to gain power and make money for a period of time. The universe was created by our eternal Creator who is all knowing. To suggest He would not know what we humans, his created beings, would do when given dominion over the earth by Him is silly stupid. Genesis begins the story of His relationship with man and the expectations He had for all of it. He remains in total control of His creation. He alone will decide if, when and how it ends. He will also steer it the way He wants it all to go when it goes off course.

Gail has thoroughly addressed the scientific truth that our planet appears to have entered into a cooling period, which is in the midst of their shouts of global warming and climate change. Ironically, the actions of a number of world leaders reflects her version is correct in relation to cooling. For example, Putin grabbed Crimea for good reasons besides the fact it had originally been Russian territory populated with Russian speaking people who wanted to be in Russia. One reason he did so was that it permanently expanded Russia’s warm, deepwater Black Sea port access under their control. Second, he is taking down the Nazis in Ukraine and it helped that cause. Russians and Nazis are mortal enemies as most of us should know. Which is why our federal government continues to oppose Russia in an antagonizing way. Our government is infested with and continues to support Nazis worldwide.

One of the other primary reasons for conflict was due to gaining access to Ukraine’s energy reserves, much of which is located in former Russian territory populated by Russian speaking people who want to be in Russia. Another major reason is because Ukraine is the bread basket agricultural supplier of Europe and there needed to be stability instead of the west’s use of it as a weapon. All the NATO nations did with their saber rattling, breaking agreements with Russia, participation in money laundering and human trafficking, as well as funding bioweapons labs there is give Russia the valid reasons to take it. NATO’s continued full support of Nazis in this proxy war is revealing. In the end the pre-war predicable results means sufficient security, energy and food for Russia and its allies to endure a long term cooling period.

China has taken licensed control of deepwater ports and continues to expand its hold over minerals worldwide. They are prepping their nation for a different world with a common defense pact in their back pockets with Russia, who supply much of their fuels. All of it helps ensure they survive a cooling period successfully.

Surely people can use their minds to see through all of this green new deal, Nazi WEF directed nonsense. All the evil doers desire is your money and power over you. It is a similar fear porn plan and method of operations that was used in the COVID scamdemic. Don’t fall for it.

As just one recent example, the “experts” predicted 20 named tropical storms in the Atlantic in 2024.

The Atlantic Ocean is Cooling at Record Speed and Climate Hoaxers Are Absolutely Baffled!

dailysceptic.org has more, but their site will not allow me to link. Their data reveals that sea temps are dropping significantly around the world.

Despite that, in the link below we see a claim of scientific experts about what happened 34 million years ago based on historical reports from scientists who were actually there, conducted research and recorded their findings that were safely stored in caves. It states…

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-of-natural-history/2021/08/06/greenhouse-gas-caused-global-cooling-34-million-years-ago-study-finds

OK, you caught me – no human being was there to know. They were too busy hunting wooly mammoths.The subject researchers and scientists used methods of reviewing the state of marine sedimentary samples that had pollen fossils in coal and concluded that 34 million years ago, give or take a few million, those were the conditions. They are certain all of the climate stuff happened quickly because, well, because of scientific assumptions. My take: that will be the explanation until their theories are later proven wrong or need substantial adjustment. At which time more requests for research funding will occur to prove this or that in response to the new understanding, observations or “facts” they then have. If one is paying attention, it is a pattern.

The following is the claim of more experts about the earth getting warmer because of greenhouse gases increasing while the upper atmosphere actually gets colder. The science they are selling is we have total control over our outcome. Just stop using fossil fuels and save the planet, well, at least warm the upper atmosphere. Trust them.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/climate-change-reversing-cooling-trend

At least with that one there is only 3 million years involved. But the next one is a classic. Hold onto your hats, this one goes back 450 million years. They express sincere concerns about humanity’s survival because we are in a period that is a great deal colder than history indicates. They believe sudden increases in temperature a few degrees could kill off our ability to adapt. I kid you not. “It’s an indication of all the things we don’t know about how greenhouse climates work,” Wing said.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/scientists-have-captured-earth-s-climate-over-the-last-485-million-years-here-s-the-surprising-place-we-stand-now/ar-AA1qRbUP

I wonder what idgits provided their research funding?

It is no wonder why environmental scientists and climatologists are baffled by the current dramatic cooling of the Atlantic. They are clueless about what is, but certain about what once was that they (or anybody else) never witnessed. Somehow I know they believe that greenhouse gases and global warming are involved in whatever they are selling at the time. Just an educated guess by a somewhat interested bystander.

Prepare for the opposite of global warming. The criminal globullist cabal and other world leaders are. They are keeping the general public deceived and ill prepared because depopulation is still their long term goal. Grasshopper or ant, you decide the best approach.

Back To FIRE!

This one is personal to a lot of us around this region. The Great Smoky Mountains Fire of 2016 (TGSMF) is etched in our memories here in east TN. It is also an excellent example of how American government frequently ignores the needs of its citizens until a disaster occurs. The clean up on Aisle 7 phase kicks in, a flurry of words and activities occur, and truth is scuttled for a narrative. It is up to the reader to decide if the following, which has been repeated for centuries worldwide, is intentional or not. I have my suspicions with a Trail of Tears (a nod to our local Cherokee nation) I will provide. The ensuing eight years since TGSMF reveal much.

Below is a link to a story published in the past year by a nearby resident who is the managing editor of an area newspaper. This story gives you a good summary from which to begin.

https://www.thesmokies.com/gatlinburg-tn-fire-2016

I will provide many links below that tell the overall story better than I can. When taken in total a picture emerges that reveals what appears to be great incompetency from those in authority at the National Park Service (NPS). It reveals stonewalling for years in the judiciary process post fire. It reveals a probable DEI type hire in a key senior NPS position before such things were called DEI. It reveals great suffering, loss of life, and loss of property. It also appears to reveal a political agenda and protection of the key leader operatives in authority on site during those days. Combine that with local and state politician collusion in keeping facts about the events hidden along with park officials being protected from inquiry and, well, we see a corrupt mess. Then the topping on cake is applied by all those with wealth who benefit in the aftermath.

The good counter side reveals many heroes and great acts of courage. It reveals local law enforcement and fire personnel doing their best to save people and property while alerting the NPS of fire calls. It reveals people at their best at helping one another. It reveals one of our own known to the world, Dolly, doing very special things to help in the recovery; not just paying lip service for publicity as many celebrities do. It reveals much needed early warning safety improvements and procedures being acted upon by local officials post-fire.

What is not revealed enough is even more telling – the complete truth.

Storylines Galore

The following is a link from the NPS that shows a few interactive photos comparing more recent times in areas within the Park itself to that of the aftermath of the fire. In general, the environmental recovery is going well.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/ct2-repeat-photos.htm

However, what happened outside of the Park will not be forgotten by locals. Depending on vantage point, the flames (not just smoke) of the fire could be seen miles away. We live 27 miles away via driving, about half that as the crow flies. A local mountain blocked our direct view, but when we traveled past the mountain and closer to the event, we could easily see the fire in Gatlinburg and fringed areas of Pigeon Forge in the evenings. The smoke engulfed the entire county and migrated into surrounding counties. As reported, over 2400 buildings were destroyed and 14 people died with a couple hundred injured. Our county’s citizens were fortunate in that the area that the fire was most intense was rural and that tourism was not in a peak period.

Below are more links that describe it all with various accounts. The first link shows the locations of the clustered areas of structures that were affected, followed by a story on the victims, which is then followed by NPS summary release nearly a year later.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/PublicInformation/index.html?appid=8c18c70f55ac4f81b683454fc7573d76

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2017/08/10/autopsy-records-shed-new-light-gatlinburg-wildfire-deaths/556987001

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1319/national-park-service-releases-review-of-chimney-tops-2-fire.htm

All of this leads to trying to understand the results of investigations into the events. This effort has been clouded by not having access to information as the authorities have been unwilling to release various aspects. The more accurate picture that has developed came from what the public has discovered on its own from observation, media investigative reports, videos, recorded conversations, local contacts and such. In an effort to move toward the full reality of what really happened, the following is the local Knoxville newspaper’s investigative look at it three years after the events. It did not gloss over some of the failures.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2019/01/31/gatlinburg-wildfire-lawsuit-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-rangers/2722918002

Here is a summary local news TV media version five years afterwards;

https://www.wvlt.tv/2021/11/28/remembering-gatlinburg-wildfires-five-years-later

There is another investigative report seven plus years later that dug deeper, which is surprising since it came from typically fake news. The actual story is behind a paywall. However, Yahoo posted it on their site;

https://www.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-wildfire-burned-smokies-superintendent-090220537.html

Damning.

Deadly Comedy of Failures Or Intentional Features?

That is always the primary question to ask when it comes to large scale tragedies such as this. For example, did the East Palestine, OH train disaster occur due to mistakes and failures, or, was it a feature of something more sinister? We know how occult practices of the leftist criminals seem to come into play frequently. I have covered The Great Chicago Fire and pointed readers to more information relating to the Lahaina, Maui fire. California residents have endured widespread wildfires for decades. Going back in history, New York City had a Great Fire in 1778 during the British occupation. Another followed in 1835 that gutted Manhattan, which amazingly (sarc/) led to a reconstruction that resulted in NYC more than tripling its population over the next 25 years. Business and industry exploded with growth there in the lead up to the Civil War. Which is just another coincidence, I guess. It was not long after that war that the Great Chicago Fire happened and the blueprint from New York was implemented with similar results that primarily benefitted the globullist criminal cabal.

😉

Apparent failures and mistakes are often intentional features. The pattern reveals the truth. What may have been good as it existed, but less economically attractive than could be realized; can be revisited and changed if local resident obstructions to the planned “progress” are removed.

Several friends and acquaintances of ours were injured in TGSMF. We had met a couple of the people who died, including the elderly pastor who had married countless couples in the county for decades. A now retired high school football coach I knew who lived in the immediate area of the fire survived by rolling downhill on his property into a creek and submerging himself. His home was fire damaged. A historic Baptist Church within the Gatlinburg city limits was a total loss. It was finally rebuilt five years later. Two other churches were damaged. See links below,

FIRES DESTROY GATLINBURG CHURCH, PARTS OF TWO OTHERS

https://www.wvlt.tv/2021/11/28/gatlinburg-church-completely-rebuilds-after-wildfires

Many rental cabins around town were destroyed or badly damaged along with a number of motels and hotels that were gutted. Dollywood had to close during a prime time of the holiday season. All sorts of lodging facilities, restaurants, Ski Mountain (snow) operations (Ober Gatlinburg), retail establishments, recreational businesses, the convention center, and so on had to close for a time; some to make repairs. A number of lodging facilities were gutted from the fires or burned to the ground. Even for those businesses that were physically unharmed, there were no tourists visiting to help keep the doors open. That meant employee layoffs and terminations, business closures, and strains on tax revenues to handle city/county services, etc.

The business losses extended into nearby Pigeon Forge as tourists understandably stopped coming until given the green light months later. More layoffs and hurting people were the results.

However, mountain folks are strong and tough. We came together. Some of the relief efforts that were spearheaded by Dolly, some local officials, the state and some feds helped in the short term recovery. Churches, schools and charities rallied people to the cause. People could at least survive until they figured out what was next. Contractors rushed to the area for jobs. Building supply houses were hard pressed to keep with the demand. Utilities company employees worked double shifts for a couple of months. Building inspection and permitting offices were inundated.

Many property owners just walked away. Some had no money to add to insurance settlements, which were paid first to mortgage holders. Many were not adequately insured to the rising level of construction costs. Some who were financially able did rebuild eventually as they found reputable contractors, which often took up to 7 years afterwards as we see from the church example above. For those unable or unwilling to wait, properties were sold by the owners at below market values prices or through foreclosures.

NPS Failures

It is here where you find the root cause of the tragedy. To have a once in a hundred years or more fire when the conditions are right is one thing. For NPS leaders, nationally and locally, to have authority to handle this and other wildfires along with notifications to the public properly, yet, not do so for any reason is unacceptable. Read the following links,

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newsupterintendent.htm

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/10/16/as-the-wildfire-burned-superintendent-cassius-cash-downplayed-threat/70765615007

https://www.facebook.com/GatlinburgWildfireSurvivors/videos/this-call-is-from-the-night-of-november-27th-2016-between-the-gatlinburg-police-/744380806310081/

Inexcusable performance of the duties of a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent.

Meanwhile, on the front lines of the fire was a NPS guy in authority, Greg Salansky, whose job it was to coordinate the efforts to control and eventually put out the fire. He didn’t. Apparently he sent the crew of assigned fire fighters home to rest that infamous night instead, believing the fire to be small and controllable despite weather warnings of high winds in the area well in advance.

What firefighting professional would ever do such a thing? The wind forecast for several days in advance of the event should have been enough to know that you needed more firefighters and resources on site. You would know that unless you have been ordered to do what you did.

The story below provides more detail including when the lawsuits first started. The following Facebook video gives visual and recorded emergency personnel conversations.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2019/01/31/gatlinburg-wildfire-lawsuit-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-rangers/2722918002

https://www.facebook.com/GatlinburgWildfireSurvivors/videos/we-are-releasing-another-couple-of-audiodashcam-clips-that-have-not-been-release/611330549805528/

Inevitable Lawsuits

So here we go. A barrage of legal activities ensued that continues through today, nearly eight years later.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2017/08/10/autopsy-records-shed-new-light-gatlinburg-wildfire-deaths/556987001

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/wildfire-lawsuit/51-453fa24c-4abd-443c-8fd9-29ffb58ccd4d

https://apnews.com/article/gatlinburg-fire-lawsuits-0f35464330ec1cf89ecc30776bc0586c#

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2019/11/22/insurance-companies-sue-feds-over-handling-gatlinburg-wildfire/4274537002

Sixth Circuit Affirms Trial Court Rulings in 2016 Great Smoky Mountains Fire Suit

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/08/15/gatlinburg-wildfire-lawsuit-may-get-a-second-chance/74407648007

My first observation is that the lawsuits have merit in that there was clear negligence by the NPS and its leaders that could be proven with recordings and other solid evidence. I will leave it to legal experts and the courts to decide if they can hide behind shields from liability for federal agencies and employees. The attorneys for the plaintiffs represent many insurance companies, victims and families of victims. That they have not abandoned the expensive legal pursuit after these years is revealing.

My second observation is the NPS attempt to deflect the cause of the fire. Allegedly, two minors skipping out of school were the cause and were charged at first. Then six months later the charges were dropped with authorities stating they could not prove their involvement and admitting in legal documents that there were other fires in the general vicinity of its alleged staring point. That brings us to seven plus years later and there is still no definitive explanation given for the event.

My third observation is that local politicians and government officials ran interference to protect the NPS and its employees. It seems they were more interested in keeping things on the down low than providing transparency. They did step up in the aftermath with solid assistance for all who were affected. However, they were just not all that interested in clearing the air with truth about the event itself. This tells me there were benefits from their relationship with the NPS of which the general public is unaware.

My fourth observation follows.

The Two Scoundrels

Cash and Salansky are still employed by the NPS. They effed it all up or they did what they were ordered to do – you decide. That they remained employed by NPS is unconscionable. Fourteen people died and nearly 200 were injured along with close to a billion dollars in damages. Apparently, Salansky’s career continues on unabated to this point. See the linked evidence of his employment below.

https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/incident_specific_data/southern/Florida/18_AvianComplex/IAP/Avian%20Complex%20IAP%205-14-18.pdf

https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/samac.php

https://thefieldguide.blog/2023/03/02/remembering-my-why/

Cash remained the GSMN Park Superintendent until this month when he left to take an executive role with the Yosemite Conservancy. Other than with the local political and media Establishment, he is not highly regarded as you can imagine. In the recent past he sponsored a move to charge parking fees in the GSMNP, which was approved by their cronies. In approving this the NPS reneged on a 90 year pledge made at dedication to never charge fees for people to visit the park. If you want to visit a picnic area, historic attraction, hike, etc. and you plan to park for more than 15 minutes in designated areas, you must pay a fee thanks to Cassius Cash and crew. He was quite proud of this accomplishment. The people’s national park now charges people to park in their own park, something that was never supposed to happen. It is generating $6-7 million annually that is supposed to be used only on projects in the park. I guess the scumbags in DC sent all the spare change they could have used for the entire NPS system to Ukraine. Priorities you know.

One thing is for certain, we will never see a true accounting of where the parking fees are going. My assumption is somebody is personally benefitting. Regardless, Mr. Cash has completed his role here, thankfully. This was just announced right before press time for this post.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/superintendent-of-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-leaving-to-head-up-yosemite-conservancy/ar-AA1qRn6i

Falling upward seems to be a thing with many government employees. Good luck with that, Yosemite. With PDT’s arrival on the scene again, maybe a quality appointment can be made for The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If one stands back and looks objectively at the entire event, it becomes obvious that the NPS leadership blew it causing death and great destruction. Yet, they are still employed in the same agency and industry doing their thing.

That infamous day there were ideal weather conditions for a wildfire. A drought, high winds and lack of precipitation caused small fires to grow and eventually go out of control days later because there were insufficient fire fighting resources called in by the NPS. In fact, Salansky sent who he did have working home to rest. It had been known for several days in advance that high winds were predicted in that area. They knew conditions were ripe for disaster and did the exact opposite of what responsible leaders would do. The NPS failed. The federal government also failed to provide adequate resources to this National Park with over a half million acres under management.

It would have been far worse if substantial precipitation did not fall on the affected area every couple of days after the event. That is what put out the fire. The firefighters, most of them locals from volunteer fire departments in the area, handled the remaining smoldering hot spots.

So, once again, human error or intentional?

Conditions On The Ground Today

Why would local authorities defend the NPS and interfere in jounalist investigations when the tragedy affected friends and neighbors they served? The officials live here. It makes very little sense to help those who caused all of the death and destruction. That is unless one considers that they, their cronies and local governments might somehow benefit. It appears some may not care all that much about human life.

However their best efforts to block communications of facts did not stop the insurance companies from going after the NPS.

Which makes what happened next, well, interesting. What is that rising from the ashes of 2016 in the fire affected area? The following was a modest rental cabin resort in 2016. Not so much now.

https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/tennessee/gatlinburg/westgate-smoky-mountain-resort/overview/

The first phase of the below opened a year after the fire and there have been many attractions added to it since. Just curious, did land costs go up or down immediately after the fire? 😀

https://www.gatlinburg.com/listing/anakeesta/326

Looks like this one opened two years after it in mid 2018. 😀

https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-gatlinburg

Plus numerous other new attractions were added that include mountain roller coasters, zip lines, restaurants, retail outlets, rental cabin resorts, along with other hotels, condos and lodges.

I guess all this extra business and rebuilding with new ownerships and investments was just really good luck for some folks. That so many people lost their homes, businesses and properties was just unfortunate, just like having to sell out at below market values. It all seems that way unless you consider that it generally takes several years to conceive, conceptually plan, and design a proposed resort of significance. Subject to financing and/or investment capital being available, a prospective site search would be conducted afterwards. Then, after an acceptable site is secured, project developers and ownership would seek to obtain government/utility approvals and coordinate with contractors before construction began. Finally add the construction period, advance marketing as well the hiring and training of staffing before operations can begin.

Those requirements and related timelines indicate that most of these major projects were conceived years in advance of TGSMF of 2016.

Which makes it all appear to be a solution (opportunities) in search of a problem (destruction/rebuilding). A phoenix in search of a disaster that created the very ashes to rise from. How convenient that the NPS authorities were so perfectly incompetent and may be proven to be protected from personal liability. How convenient there were two truant teenagers discovered in the park that day, whose names could not legally be revealed as they were minors, who could be accused of setting the fire. How convenient charges against them were dropped six months later without proof that they were the source of the fire since other fires were also burning in the vicinity. I wonder who set those other fires that were discussed in documents and recorded discussions? How did the NPS and legal authorities know there were other fires that day? Why were no other sources of those fires discussed or charged since there was a burning ban during the period?

The currently unanswered questions are virtually endless – again – eight years later. The way TGSMF of 2016 has been formally investigated by authorities and handled by the judiciary makes it appear to have been originated intentionally. If that is not true, why deflect and refuse full transparency? Could it be that many of those in authority know more than they desire to reveal?

I also wonder what a search of the subject area’s property records would reveal? Somebody with more time on their hands can take a run at that one. I have seen this movie once too often.

The beneficiaries of the tragedy are clear and they also include the local governmental authorities. New large scale business investment, so many more opportunities for themselves and their close associates to invest into surrounding properties and businesses in an area that was already “built out” for many years. An Increase of draws and attractions that bring in more tourists and their dollars along with greater tax revenues for the governments has been the end result that was created in its aftermath.

Again, it is pattern.

Conclusion

It is nearly eight years later and there is another small wildfire in dense mountainside underbrush in the Smokies on 58 acres that is slowly spreading. It has been a dry summer going into fall. The fire has been burning for about 4 weeks now and is not contained. This time the origin is known. It was started via a lightning strike during the last major rain event we have experienced in the area in the past month. The usual small number of NPS associated firefighters have been unsuccessfully working hard to contain. The NPS is conducting air drops of water with one lone helicopter over the past couple of weeks with minimal success as they worked to build more trails into the site.

They have been doing things with the same number of firefighters the same ways. The only condition that is different this time is the tree leaves have not yet started falling significantly because it has remained warm. This will be changing in a couple of weeks. Even with the fire being relatively small, starting with about 16 acres before growing to its current size, it has not prevented the acrid smoke from drifting throughout the area. It is making some people ill and and many people nervous. Yet, the NPS “reassures” the public daily they have things under control. This link is from a few weeks ago.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/08/30/where-is-the-fire-in-the-smokies-friday-update-on-flint-gap-fire/75018649007

As mentioned it has slowly expanded to the current 58 acres. However, the NPS has called in the calvary. Undoubtedly they are feeling the “heat” from the public. Which is another thing that has changed. They killed the public’s trust in 2016. They know we know and are watching their every move. The Olympic Wildland Fire Module just arrived. See the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/september-20-flint-gap-fire-update.htm

Many of us wonder how much longer it will be until some more smaller fires in the area of the current one are started. We are in the dry season, very little rain is predicted. Leaves will be falling to fuel them. The Olympic Module is only anticipated to be there a week before being shipped out to another hot spot out west. The location of this fire area is shown in the GSMNP map below.

Over in the left hand side near the #1 is the area in discussion. TGSMF of 2016 started a good distance farther to the east toward Gatlinburg near to #4. What is it do we find near the current area but the recently expanded scenic Foothills Parkway, one of the most beautiful vistas in the eastern U. S. An area that would appear attractive to investment with the greatly increasing number of visitors enjoying the drive between Blount and Sevier County resorts and attractions.

Conspiracy theory? Perhaps. However, it seems the rapidly increasing abilities to make money and gain power at the expense of others are present once again.

The broader NPS entity still maintains very limited resources stationed in our area for fire fighting. Their primary assets stay deployed primarily in the western U. S. (their admission). I guess TGSMF of 2016 was not destructive enough to justify an increase in permanent resources or those accessed from the department nationally. Our elected scoundrels and DS can afford to hire 87,000 agents of oppression with the IRS, but not a tenth of that number to help our nation avoid massive destruction and loss of life from wildfires. They spend hundreds of billions to fight a proxy war in Ukraine in support of Nazis along with about as much for the cost of 20+ million illegal invaders coming across the border. But time after time they have proven they do not give a damn about the needs of We the People.

This country is in a mess because traitors, seditionists, incompetents and other sundry criminals have been in positions of authority and service for far too long. In my next part I will discuss where I believe it all leads from here.

May God protect and bring peace to America and its citizens..

American Stories: FIRE! – Part II; Plus Bonus Economic Content And A Ted Turner(?!) Lesson

Just a personal author’s note before getting started. The provided links are supporting evidence of my opinions and claims. Rest assured there are many, many more in each subject I discuss if you should choose to verify or seek more information.

Why Stories About Fire?

I am focusing my efforts in these American Stories on revealing conditions that are optimum for the long running globullist criminal cabal to execute plans to achieve their world domination goals. Currently I am drilling down on the subject of their use of fire. The Great Chicago Fire led off in Part I. A fraud perpetrated on Americans that continues to this day. With this part we will take a look at a couple of different types of fire – oil field fires and wildfires. There are a significant number of links to peruse that are integral to the theme of the story. As with most things to do with the globullist criminal cabal, nothing is as it appears.

With the recent work of A Midwestern Doctor on substack concerning the Lahaina, Maui fires from his somewhat unique medical background perspective, I will not be addressing it unless additional disclosure is needed. With the tools we all have available now, any of us could choose to follow the story closely and observe what happens to Lahaina and its residents over the coming years. The globullist criminals do not really care if we know what they do anyway. With uncontrolled power that has corrupted the American governmental and economic systems, they fear no repercussions. Below is a link to his story.

https://substack.com/@amidwesterndoctor/p-147526120

It makes me sick to my stomach when I open our honeymoon photo album and remember our outings in Lahaina nearly 40 years ago. I feel so bad for the people who live there and especially for those who lost their homes, businesses and/or loved ones. We offer special prayers for those affected in the spirit of mahalo. The world lost a unique community and centuries of history that the native Hawaiians shared with everyone who visited that special place.

Moving forward for purposes of this story, when did you last hear about a major oilfield fire that was not connected to acts of war and/or sabotage? You probably cannot recall any of note because they are not common place. Starting with the early days of the wildcatters; over time the industry developed, improved safety techniques were employed, and innovative equipment was introduced to reduce chances of blow outs and accidental fires. The reported major fires we read or hear about today usually involve above ground facilities, transport, etc.; which are easier for saboteurs to access or for real accidents to occur. The most dangerous that involve the wells associated with underground oil reserves, well, not so much.

The most celebrated American oil field fire fighter, the legendary Red Adair, handled a couple thousand during his 50 years in the business; although some major ones in his latter years of life were war related such as in Kuwait during the first Iraq War. He even consulted for a movie called Hellfighters that involved oil field fire fighting that starred John Wayne. The media and entertainment industry incorporated the theme of uncontrolled disastrous fires into their fare as the years rolled by.

https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/red-adair-to-the-rescue

Wildfires In General

Shifting to wildfires, to connect and amplify we can go with a current television show to help fuel the fires of emotions to normalize the fearful expectations of wildfires with viewers.

Building on themes such as that, they use DC media propagandists to tie oil field fires and wildfires together…

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4733419-risky-oil-production-wildfires

And here’s another…

https://globalnews.ca/news/9701951/alberta-wildfires-oil-gas-companies-shutting-in-production-again

Followed by this…

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/park-fire-now-california-largest-000600041.html

The truth is that for the most part, oil field fires are a rarity and above ground incidents are generally well contained. As you can see the propagandists still attempt to tie them together as threats to humanity. So, what is the real plan that incorporates all of the attention and hype?

Why, “Climate Change” Of Course!

They always provide sheeple an explanation that fits the narrative…

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/11/world/wildfires-climate-change-arson-explainer-intl/index.html

Except, CNN, arson and accidents caused by humans are the primary causes per government data. But let’s not confuse the issue with facts. Yet, here is another from our nazi government…

https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-wildfires#

One more from a self appointed “defender” of the environment …

https://www.edf.org/climate/heres-how-climate-change-affects-wildfires

At least the NPS leaves out climate change speculation on their web page below. They also state up front that nearly 85% of all wildland fires in America are started by humans. Truth coming from a federal government agency? To borrow a phrase, “What’s up with that?”

https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildfire-causes-and-evaluation.htm

They must not have received the globullist memo about climate change being the real cause behind it all. However, that does not stop more scammers in need of research funding from indirectly blaming war on climate change.

https://www.icrc.org/en/document/climate-change-and-conflict

https://unfccc.int/news/conflict-and-climate

Or maybe it is directly causing it per this one. Yes, that Stanford.

https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2019/06/climate-change-cause-armed-conflict

The government even has this mapping to help us. Turns out there are several of these mapping sites from various orgs and government entities and you will one see later in this story.

https://fire.airnow.gov

Notice the ring of fire in the west along with fires in Alaska? I guess those fires are never extinguished because I have not seen them change in quite some time. 😀

What Gives?!

Oil Field Fires, Wildfires, Wars – our world is burning down because of… climate change?

OK, for fun –

That song is not that far off, is it? Stress points across the board stirring fears and distracting the masses from what is really going on in the belly of the beast; which is the creating and conducting of a fire sale of America and its assets and resources to the globullist criminals while the deplorable weirdo people are focused elsewhere on the destruction and loss of life. They create the stress points that promote fear porn with the propagandist media and “entertainment industry” fanning the flames while deep state bureaucrats quietly add restrictive regulations on private property behind the scenes to increase costs to the point of making it nearly impossible to privately own property unless your name is BlackRock.

One big, deadly pysop. Rinse and repeat, again and again and again.

The Scam

The ramp up and rally around climate change endangering the world has been around as a scare tactic for the greedy power seeking criminals for a very long time, however, it began in earnest in America when Slick Clinton went into office. Al Gore took the lead as most know. Our Gail Combs has more than ably covered the reality of the climate debate in our world in a thread available on The QTree. As is the case with most things presented by the “experts” in America and the rest of the world, you can be assured that the opposite view from what they present will likely be the most truthful. Gail proves that statement accurate with data and facts. The change we need to prepare for in this climate cycle is actually global cooling. Yes, global cooling cycles are a thing and have been recorded and theorized about throughout history.

For some reason (😂) Mother Nature does not read the globullist created fake data, charts and analysis. She does not get the memo. She does what she does for reasons that are quite scientific, but, unacceptable to the desires of the narrative builders. Mother Nature tends do her own thing by ignoring calendars and working without regard to man’s desires and the recording of time. Thankfully.

Will end this scam discussion with the following. Does the use of fire by the globullist criminals correspond with the climate change scam in an attempt to divert observance of the significant benefits that carbon dioxide and the greening of the world provides? If so, that would also seem to indicate that droughts and desert conditions must work in the favor of the globullist criminals.

Another New Study Finds Rising CO2 Enhances Planetary Greening and Reduces Drought Risk

Barren, dry areas produce very little of significant value for mankind on their surfaces, which is why people do not cluster within them very often. Mankind needs God given natural resources to survive and even thrive. Barren, dry areas push population toward areas with more natural resources, housing, jobs, and recreational opportunities. Clustering then occurs. The value to the globullist criminals is that their totalitarian goals are much easier to accomplish when the people are clustered together.

It is not what is above the surface they seek in those barren areas. They seek what is underground, which will be addressed in the Reality section below. This scam can all be reduced to this very simple principle. You own it, they want it, and they will do whatever they need to do to take it from you as inexpensively as possible.

Reality

Fire has proven to be a great thing for humanity. Living well has depended upon it since the first fire was built by ancients to cook what they hunted as well as to stay warm in cold conditions.

Fire is also used to put out fire, to remove the fuel that wildfires must have to continue burning. Fires conducted in controlled situations are beneficial to the environment. Living near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park we experience the use of fire for that purpose annually in sections of the Park. It helps remove scrub and dying vegetation while providing nutrients to the soil to assist the growth of native grasses, plants and trees that are beneficial to wildlife.

If fire is not used for wicked purposes it is simply a tool for good. Yet, the globullist criminal cabal wants you to focus on its destructive elements. That makes fear of oil field fires and wildfires a useful tool to exploit people by increasing anxiety and even depression leading to an easier sale of climate change. When the population of the world buys into climate change it increases the wealth and world control of those who promote it. As a reminder, the latter are not nice people who care about the needs of others.

In reality, a growing number of people now understand that the climate change movement (religion) has been a corrupted tool to effect certain human behaviors that lead people to believe and do the will of the globullist criminals. What they sell, order and mandate others to do; they do not do themselves. They view human life as livestock. In their minds you exist because they allow you to exist for their purposes.

If they can use fire to influence people to believe in climate change and the dangers of fossil fuels, many people will give in to what they want. In so doing they can then successfully enslave the population to help achieve their longer term goals.

Let us assume a wildfire has indeed ravaged an area. What happens afterwards generally also reveals who benefits most from the disaster. For many people there are insufficient funds to rebuild even if treated fairly by insurers or through government financial assistance. For others the losses endured are simply too much to overcome emotionally to return to an area. In other instances the land or infrastructure itself has been too damaged to safely rebuild in a reasonable period of time. One needs only watch the hot, fire producing lava on Hilo flow and completely change the topography to know – nope – not going back even if one wanted to do so.

The globullists know all of that. They can acquire an affected property for a small fraction of the previous value if it sits near the disaster area, even if it was not damaged. They observe the behavior of the people who have endured the hardships and then influence the negativity to be worse than reality through fear porn, anxiety, angst, etc. ginned up through the propagandist media and influencers in the communities who receive compensation for services rendered. They have pre-event access to triggers (arsonists, planned “accidents”, etc.) that cause many of the fires; deep pockets to capitalize on the events; and the government nazis to back their efforts with excessive regulations, red tape and purchased opposition.

Have you ever noticed how relief funds and insurance settlements are nearly always delayed for long periods to residents and small business owners, yet, the bureaucrats can flush out billions to fight proxy wars and fund foreign interests in seconds? They know that many will grow weary, accept less than what is due or just walk away. These vultures are poised to pounce at all times and consider it great fun to take advantage of the misery.

Within the boundaries of America exists many of the most valuable natural resources for energy, research, manufacturing, timber and agriculture per square inch than anywhere else on earth. When included with neighboring Canada, the abundance is astonishing. We have enough to share with the world to enhance all lives.

Which is why we are being infiltrated, invaded as well as abused by our own government. The globullist criminals do not believe in sharing the wealth, they want to control it all. Klaus Scwab and WEF have already informed the world of exactly that intention. The catastrophic events and actions are used to push the population away from areas they want to control. They want the resources that they know to exist above and below ground for their purposes. Where these random appearing, destructive fires are located reveals many areas they highly covet. If you see no reasons above ground they would want it, rest assured there are reasons below ground.

They have illustrated this vividly throughout history and is why I started with The Great Chicago Fire and mention the recent Maui fire. Both of those were for above ground reasons. The wildfires potentially affecting oilfields in the links are obvious. What you may not notice are the wildfires in remote areas, particularly in the western U. S. However, those areas have been geologically researched for decades and are known to hold huge mineral and fossil fuel reserves for scientific research, manufacturing and energy production purposes.

Perhaps you missed the latest news on a large lithium discovery. Ever wonder why the leftists hate fracking in PA? Clue, other than seeking to induce more misery on the region’s population, it has very little to do with natural gas production. Read the following,

https://www.sciencealert.com/a-vast-untapped-source-of-lithium-has-just-been-found-in-the-us

If as much as 30% of our nation’s anticipated lithium needs can be met by extracting it from wastewater associated with existing fracking operations in that one state, why would leftists object to this obviously environmentally friendlier activity than mining since they are the ones pushing the Green New Deal and EV’s that use lithium batteries?

Well, it could be that many of them are investors or receive lobbyist bribes from other competing energy and manufacturing sectors. In addition some are also probably investors in the companies who hold rights to lithium deposits found in the links below.

https://www.mining-technology.com/projects/thacker-pass-lithium-project-nevada-usa/?cf-view

https://acmelithium.com/2022/03/23/acme-lithium-inc-acquires-new-lithium-project-in-mcdermitt-caldera-region

Notice where this lithium deposit was found; in the dry, scrub land of native Americans in northern NV at Thacker Pass. Notice that ACME Lithium is one of the companies that holds rights and is active in both America and Canada. Consider this statement I found on Yahoo! Finance:

Canadian government just announced $4Billion in funding to Canadian mining projects specializing in critical minerals. “Critical minerals present a Generational opportunity in many areas…this federal government is committed to seizing this opportunity that will benefit every region across the nation and throughout the world”- Jonathan Wilkinson, Canadian Minister of Natural resources, Friday Dec 9,2022.

Then there is this one in the same area with Lithium Americas;

https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/30/23849619/lithium-ev-battery-thacker-pass-mine-mcdermitt-caldera

Might want to bet on this company since GM invested $650 million into it. With a known 46 years of lithium deposits available in just this one area it is going to be around for awhile.

Economic Realities For MAGA – Bonus Content

Will you consider a fellow QTreeper’s economic advice? I propose a quick detour from the fires.

First, President Trump knows about the lithium in the wastewater of fracking operations in PA. As a result, PA and America will experience a huge economic boost if he goes back in as POTUS. One of the reasons he is working that state so hard beyond needing it to comfortably win the election is that it fits his overall economic recovery plan for our nation. The NV mines will also be another large source of lithium to make America totally independent in meeting the growing needs for the mineral. That PA fracking provides an on-going dependable source of low cost natural gas as a source of energy for homes, businesses and industry in the region is just icing on the cake.

Second, I am not yet an EV fan. However, the commitment made by both political parties plus major international corporations indicates that we all might as well get used to the idea as it is here to stay and will be a growing segment. Most rational people realize it will be just one segment of several and not be a complete conversion. We will have a choice for the foreseeable future. As range and features improve more folks will warm up to them. Until then expect to see a growing number of charging stations installed nationwide as well as universal engineering and technology standards emerge from manufacturers. We see the charging stations going in our grocery store parking lots in rural east TN now. You will see the expansion of EV purchases in fleets of autos as well as short range commercial trucks. This will drive the scale needed for production while gradually lowering production costs to make them more affordable for the public without needing government subsidies. Elon knows this with Tesla. Who supports lithium discoveries in America and has aligned with President Trump? Yeah, that guy. It is not the only reason, but it is a major one.

Third, GM is diving in head first. They have invested big in the lithium mining, own lithium battery manufacturing plants with LG Energy Solutions, and invested big into charging stations nationwide with Berkshire (Warren Buffett) owned Pilot Flying J travel centers as I previously discussed in a BIMD story. I doubt any of these corporate giants will be backing away any time soon from the now hundreds of billions of investment collectively into the EV sector. Which tells me that their research and development is indicating sizable gains in range and shortened recharging times in the future. With scale and more units sold, prices will trend down on the vehicles, parts, and batteries packs. It will not eliminate gas and diesel fueled vehicles. However, it will reduce some capital investment into those types of vehicles. EV’s and combustion engine driven vehicles can and should coexist. Becoming totally dependent on any one industry or product is never a smart idea.

Finally, South Korea headquartered LG’s investment into the lithium batteries with GM tells you this will continue to be an international push. South Korea based Hyundai and Kia have invested big into EVs. Honda of Japan is doing likewise. European automakers entered the market years ago. China is already flooding the world with cheap, disposable crap EVs. Sort of like this relic of yesteryear.

Anybody for a Yugo?

The primary complication for full scale acceptance will continue to be electricity generation. With EV’s growing in usage and AI on the horizon, the need for electricity in America will blow past current capacity rapidly. So look for a massive investment into power generation, which will drive manufacturing growth and AI implementation. Customers will not like the massive rate increases needed, so the feds are going to need to step in to make it all happen with tax dollar subsidies and incentives to the producers of power. Expect huge changes in the electricity generation industry with a continued resurgence in nuclear and backing off from killing coal and natural gas usage.

As an example, remember the MO bootheel aluminum smelting mill closure story in BIMD, the one that supplied about a quarter of our domestic demand? The same one that is now closed that countered the Chinese smelted aluminum that goes into the manufacture of electric transformers used in power generation? The same mill that used a huge amount of electrical power generation for production in a state that acquiesced to the closure of coal fired electric power plants? It would not surprise me at all to see that mill crank back up with new investment and tax incentives after the election with PDT’s emphasis on domestic manufacturing. Missouri will probably grant a stay on the closure of those coal fired power plants and push for more natural gas and nuclear. America needs to produce its own electrical generation product necessities and not depend on buying from people who hate us on the other side of the planet. That aluminum smelting mill would help that happen.

I have now informed readers about some good industries and companies to invest in over the long term. If PDT wins the economic gains will be off the charts. If the Dems pull off another steal, this process will still continue albeit with stronger international globullist criminal involvement and emphasis. With PDT winning the smart investment play will be to go with stock picks and mutual funds that focus on domestic energy, manufacturing and distribution. If the steal happens, go international with picks and funds that have a strong concentration of stocks in these sectors. This latter international investment will still produce gains even if Trump wins because a rising sea level (or tide if you prefer) lifts all boats and America is still the sea (tide) – for now. PDT wants the petro dollar to remain the world’s currency. The globullists would prefer it as well.

Back To Fires

I will start this section with a discussion about…Ted Turner. Wut?!

One of the best business investment lessons I ever heard in person as a young business banker was while attending a Chamber event with Ted Turner as speaker. I despise the guy, but he knew how to make a lot of money. He said he made his big move in business as a young man in the billboards industry, taking over his father’s business after he committed suicide. Living and working in the growing southeastern U. S. region he noted the rapidly increasing population and traffic on the highway and interstate system. From past experience he knew billboards were highly regulated within larger city limits in various areas. Very few new structures were being permitted as well as the costs for land purchases and leases were too high to justify those that could be permitted. So he invested big in building and leasing them in the surrounding suburbs and highway systems where people were moving to live as they would be commuting into town to work along with the usual commercial and tourist traffic passing through the areas. Many times he was able to buy the land on which the structures sat. Every time the costs got too high or the cities and counties became too regulation happy he would move farther out, buy more land and build more billboards. He always went where the fast growing bedroom communities were located and he knew they would continue to expand their borders and increase business. The structures his father and he previously built that he still owned were grandfathered in the regulations and as a result became more and more valuable as time passed with the growing number of eyes on them from the increasing traffic. Eventually they became so valuable he sold many of them. Sometimes he retained the land and leased the related land parcel to the buyer of the structure if it was a good property investment with upside. Many times the land would later go on to become parts of large shopping complexes or industrial parks. He used the funding from the various sales to get into media and the television industry. The rest is history.

And yes, I shook the capitalist commie’s hand and thanked him for speaking after the event. I then went to the restroom and washed my hands. It helped inform me about the industry as I had financed small time billboard owners in the past. More importantly it gave me great insight into how some of the globullist criminals think as well as their methods of operation. With that in mind please review the FEMA map linked below;

https://gis-fema.hub.arcgis.com/maps/nifc::nevada-wildfire-information-map/explore?location=37.326752%2C-128.780645%2C4.29

Thacker Pass, NV is in the northern area toward the Oregon border. However, the lithium mineral reserves that have been discovered also extend south and east of the pass. The mining and extraction of lithium is water dependent and the Humboldt provides same. This area just happens to be somewhat near the large wildfires that have have been a recurring feature in the northeastern as well as the central eastern parts of NV.

Does the following look like a place where people would desire to live or supporting businesses of mines locate? How many buildings do you see?

That’s Thacker Pass, NV; the center of the lithium deposit reserves.

The wildfires are occurring east, southeast of this area in more forested, habitable areas that are more suitable and attractive to housing people and operating businesses. That area is directly en route to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Humboldt River runs east to west through the region. The town of Elko located along the river east of Thacker Pass and at the base of the Ruby Mountains is less than one hour from the eastern most point of the lithium find and two hours from the above referenced site. Elko already serves the NV gold mining industry and has been a bit of a boom or bust town historically with casinos and legal prostitution. It is a strong culture fit for what is coming. The area around it would be a logical area for new mining related support businesses to locate, which would lead to residential growth after state and local infrastructure investment. This area just so happens to be where wildfires have been burning north and south of Elko per the above referenced map.

How convenient for the wealthy to buy fire affected property at lower prices just in time for the boom to come while still selling that the wildfires contribute to the dreaded climate change. They will push the use of EV’s and their lithium battery packs to counter it. A real twofer for globullists criminals. They then go on to employ similar Ted Turner investment principles and build a gateway all the way to Salt Lake City, a distance of just 230 miles approximately, while using state and federal tax dollars to fund the infrastructure as politicians sell jobs, jobs, jobs to the unwitting NV and Utah voters.

Yup.

Do we spot more investment opportunities in this discussion? Do we know of a large cult in the region parading in the mainstream of politics who may be interested and involved?

Conclusion

Climate change is noise meant to distract you from seeing what the criminals are really doing and want from you. The wildfires and threats of oil field fires are meant to drive you from the lands they affect. The decision to stay and fight, fight, fight or go is yours alone.

As for me and my house we will do our best to live the way God intended for all of us and it will work out in accordance with His perfect will. The criminals will have a fight on their hands with us.

In FIRE Part III, I will conclude comments on this climate change push and discuss a tragic wildfire that significantly impacted our lives in east TN.

May you and yours be blessed.

American Stories: FIRE!

She died a recluse in 1895, ostracized and shunned by society. She withdrew from social interaction and refused to talk about the events of that period. She denied her cow caused the fire until her death. Over a century later, Mrs. Catherine O’Leary and her cow were officially exonerated by the Chicago City Council in 1997.

Huh?! What are you blabbering about again, TB? Well, just taking another little side trip down on the criminal globalist cabal’s propaganda train that goes back to 1871.

The War of Northern Aggression had ended and the victorius cabal had begun converting their industrial, business, medical, etc. holdings into a peacetime economy in a country that was growing rapidly in the west as well as with trade overseas. It was a time of great scientific invention and application advancement. City leaders had big plans.

The Great Chicago Fire

Urban legend of that day grew as the print media spread the gossip flames during the days that followed The Great Chicago Fire (TGCF). The voices of these influencers planted their seeds in the minds of the local population. They said the cause was a cow in the O’Leary barn that kicked over a lantern. Apparently Elsie the cow did the dirty deed that started all of the devastation and death.

Currently on history.com –

“On October 8, 1871, flames spark in the Chicago barn of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary, igniting a two-day blaze that kills between 200 and 300 people, destroys 17,450 buildings, leaves 100,000 homeless and causes an estimated $200 million (in 1871 dollars; roughly $4 billion in 2021 dollars) in damages.

Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in the O’Leary barn and started the fire, but other theories hold that humans or even a comet may have been responsible for the event that left four square miles of the Windy City, including its business district, in ruins. Dry weather and an abundance of wooden buildings, streets and sidewalks made Chicago vulnerable to fire. The city averaged two fires per day in 1870; there were 20 fires throughout Chicago the week before the Great Fire of 1871.

Despite the fire’s devastation, much of Chicago’s physical infrastructure, including its water, sewage and transportation systems, remained intact. Reconstruction efforts began quickly and spurred great economic development and population growth, as architects laid the foundation for a modern city featuring the world’s first skyscrapers. At the time of the fire, Chicago’s population was approximately 324,000; within nine years, there were 500,000 Chicagoans. By 1893, the city was a major economic and transportation hub with an estimated population of 1.5 million. That same year, Chicago was chosen to host the World’s Columbian Exposition, a major tourist attraction visited by 27.5 million people, or approximately half the U.S. population at the time.

In 1997, the Chicago City Council exonerated Mrs. O’Leary and her cow. She turned into a recluse after the fire, and died in 1895.”

In my opinion, none of the many stories and news accounts available on line as well as in history publications and other commentaries are more revealing than these below from The Saturday Evening Post article of Oct. 8, 2021, The New Yorker article that was published on Oct. 2, 2023 and a Chicago Tribune article published on Oct. 1, 2021. They will take you back over 150 years only to discover that the media, gossipers (influencers), corrupt politicians and government officials were in the same spearhead then as they are now.

https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2021/10/considering-history-mrs-olearys-cow-didnt-start-the-great-chicago-fire-why-does-it-matter

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/09/the-burning-of-the-world-the-great-chicago-fire-and-the-war-for-a-citys-soul-scott-w-berg-book-review

Surviving kin of Chicago’s famous O’Leary family ready for new chapter following harrowing past. ‘I think it’s time for closure.’

I hope folks in this nation of ours are at least beginning to see that the representations of historical accounts are often manipulated; changed to influence and reframe narratives to help meet the objectives of the criminal globalist cabal that are in leadership of numerous nations of the world. You and I are great big nothings to them; only allowed to exist to accomplish their wills as needed. We are considered to be replaceable and definitely, deplorable. This condition is also nothing new in mankind’s existence.

Notice in these and most other reports of TGCF that it is now acceptable to consider other possible causes of the great fire since objectives were met and there will be no legal consequences from the shenanigans. Nothing to see here, time to move on – right?

The transplanted former natives of Ireland, Patrick and Catherine O’Leary, the owners of the barn and said cow; were never officially recognized as the source of the fire or charged with negligence despite investigations by the authorities. It appears that their existence nearby was just a convenient explanation to shield what really happened, which has still not been determined or revealed. This needed to be done since many of the accusers had an agenda against Irish immigrants who had been growing rapidly in population in Chicago, especially in the densely populated subject area as well as in nearby neighborhoods impacted most by the fire. In addition, the cabal had business expansion plans for the fire ravaged properties.

How convenient that the city’s infrastructure amazingly remained fully intact after the fire. 👀

Here we are once again with former Irish slaves, indentured servants and the poor being forced to leave their native land to make their way into an expanding America; only for them and their descendants to get the shaft. Most lost everything and their proofs of insurance burned as well. The local and federal governments never raced to their aid. Unless they had access to other funds to rebuild, they had to walk away.

When one studies the actual fire event and the circumstances surrounding it, the stench of nefarious intent waffles through the air. Perhaps the fire truly was an accident that raced out of control quickly. That does not change what happened post fire that sets off all sorts of alarms. Just answering who stood to lose the most and who stood to gain the most answers many questions. However, stopping there would not reveal how the criminal cabal operates.

Numerous internet sources continue to reference article after article of the O’Leary’s cow as the cause of the fire even when they list other potential causes. My grandson’s homeschooling curriculum, Time4learning, had a 2024 lesson about TGCF and its origination point being the O’Leary barn and cow as its sole explanation. They are still selling the false narrative to unsuspecting young people and their parents. I guess teaching children that speculation, gossip and innuendo are facts is called “education” in today’s world.

The Rebuild Per The Left

What happened to Chicago post fire beginning in 1871? Let’s look at one leftist version.

Why of course, it is “The Great Rebuilding” of Chicago!

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/chicago-fire-1871-and-great-rebuilding

Notice that National Geographic states, “While there is little doubt…” Elsie and the lantern started the fire. Then the writer adds a Fast Fact at the end and throws in the possiblity of a thief kicking over the lantern with a reference to some scientists believe a meteor shower started it as possibilities to keep their attorneys happy. If an accident really did cause it, the more likely scenario was the musician neighbor or other local thief stole some of the O’Leary’s milk for themselves and kicked over the lantern. The point is they did not know then or now, who or even how it started. They have no evidence. Nobody even knows with certainty whether it ignited in the immediate vicinity of the barn, much less who started it. Yet, the poor working class O’Leary family was charged in the court of public opinion and over a century later the probable misrepresentation continues.

Cast dispersions much, NG? Why yes, that is their malicious intention revealed openly for all to see.

Lets explore deeper and open the Credits section of the article. You will see it was updated in 10/23. The writer is a Mary Schons, who clearly had access to the Saturday Evening Post and Chicago Tribune articles (among others) linked above before her update. Who is Ms. Schons? A writer who cannot easily be identified that focuses on the women’s suffrage movement, African American rights and movements, etc. This appears to be her; a retired school psychologist in the Denver area.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-schons-a82979122

So we turn our attention to a listed editor for the article, Jeannie Evers. I was unable to provide the link of her linkedin page, however, the University of Denver is in both backgrounds of Schons and Evers – which is a reflection of their possible connection. Evers has been an editor for NG since Soetoro’s term began in 2009. So, what is the 230 student Santa Catalina (CA) independent Catholic prep school for girls for whom Ms. Evers currently works as Asst. Director of Marketing and Communications? It is this place.

https://www.santacatalina.org/upper-school

They proudly display their college referrals across the banner of the home page. Needless to say no conservative schools are shown. Their mission is right in front of you the reader and all of America. Here is Ms. Evers staff bio.

https://www.santacatalina.org/upper-school/who-we-are/faculty-staff/bios/~const-id/9185

There is another leftist connection featured in this NG article of Schons. The Unitarian Church rears its head in the quoted text. Notice that no traditional Christian or Jewish denominations or independent churches, temple or synagogue leaders are quoted.

Unitarian Faith
“We have not lost, first, our geography. Nature called the lakes, the forests, the prairies together in convention long before we were born, and they decided that on this spot a great city would be built.”
The Rev. Robert Collyer, speaking to his congregation after the Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed their church

😂 at the Reverend’s description of his god’s (nature) actions. That group has never changed after all these years. The truth was not in them, then or now.

The NG article has been saved by 56 educators, who obviously use it when teaching Social Studies, American History, etc. See how that works? Now multiply this type narrative building of false history in multiple academic disciplines times tens of millions of student interactions in every aspect of education across America every day for decades.

Do not dismiss this one seemingly insignificant historical misrepresentation as unimportant. You, your children, your children’s children, and so on have been and are being taught lies as truth. Not just with this subject, this has been done IN EVERYTHING. If you have not already, it is time for you to think things through and take action.

This is an example of our American house being built on sand that the Bible speaks about in Matthew 7:24-27.

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Which leads to His authority in John 14:6.

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.

As a result if you are a Christian, you cannot accept lies in education (or anything else). Acceptance of lies as truth and speculation as fact undermines the foundation of America and does not reflect your acceptance of Jesus as your Savior. Lies, misrepresentations and disinformation are shifting sand. Build your foundation on the truth, the rock of Jesus Christ. Your role is to shed light on their schemes. Bring the truth as Jesus did. Our American foundation will then stand against Satan and his minions.

That is a primary purpose of this series, to expose some of the lies, misrepresentations, manipulations, and deception employed in America.

Truth

The NG narrative scoundrels cannot refrain from describing the oppressors using the TGCF tragedy as an opportunity to meet their true goals.

“Many poorer Chicagoans couldn’t afford the fireproof materials or skilled masons to rebuild. In addition, many could not afford fire insurance. (Before the fire, many people had insurance, but their policies were burned in the fire.) Without the means to rebuild or insure their property, thousands of people and small businesses were crowded out of Chicago.“

We could stop with that statement from the NG article and know the primary reason for what happened post fire in 1871. The cabal was simply capitalizing on the conditions of misery they helped create for their fellow man.

As a general truth that applies with all events of this type: the losses, devastation, injuries and death created against one group of people is really good business for others. Which leads to the motives for the fire. I am sure it was just coincidences that the source of water (the public Waterworks utility) for fire responders was quickly burned; for the undermanned responders to be given wrong directions and get lost on their way to the fire (conveniently left out of the referenced article, yet, is in others); for the location of the fire to be essentially isolated to a poor area of the city filled with reviled immigrants; that the more effluent residential areas were not impacted; that the biggest area economic driver – the large stockyards and packing plants on the same south side suffered no damage at all; and so on. See the map in the linked article below.

https://chicagoist.com/2015/10/08/its_the_anniversary_of_the.php

Sickening, isn’t it? Next, consider how quickly the rebuild began. The architects and engineers had not even finished their planning and design work on infrastructure, government buildings, and revamped codes before major reconstruction began. This was done only for it all to be completely ‘built back better’ leading to a business and population explosion in that former working class resident area that culminated in the city hosting the World’s Fair two decades later.

Where have I heard that expression before? Oh, yeah, from the following…

https://www.whitehouse.gov/build-back-better

Now think about Lahaina, Maui.

It is a very familiar refrain that echos from the words of the same political elites and globalist cabal over many, many years.

The rewriters of history such as these with NG are employed to create propaganda and false narratives akin to sweeping the footprints from behind the paths of villains as they leave the scenes of the crimes. They are accessories after the fact using journalistic license as cover. The subject footprints may be removed, however, the trail is still there through common sense, logic, research and observations of the mistakes they make in the cover-ups. Those seeking truth can follow the trails of the more known or self identifying clean-up crews to find where they have been active.

First, the actions of the cleaning crews means somebody instructed these removers of the footprints to do so. They did not just come up with it on their own as lone wolfs; the actions are coordinated similar to the mockingbird press activities. Second, that also means the criminals had reasons to have them removed, that they needed certain things to be kept secret. Finally, it demonstrates they are not doing good as God has commanded; they are serving their master, Satan. Which tells us, We the People, how to react.

The following article gives more detail on reconstruction post fire, but still polishes the apple.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/10/8/22677929/how-great-chicago-fire-changed-chicago-architecture

In relation to what happened over time in the general vicinity, the following is a current list of large businesses with a major presence.

https://www.builtinchicago.org/articles/companies-downtown-chicago

Who knows if Chicago would have still accomplished its size and prominence had there been no fires to force the poor local residents and businesses out in great numbers. Perhaps those who desired to locate there would have paid market value to the property owners to sell and leave over time. Oh, who do I think i am fooling with that?! 🤣

Second Fire

But wait, there’s MOAR! There was a second, smaller, less publicized; yet, devastating and deadly fire in Chicago a few years later in 1874. The new post-1871 buildings with more fire proof materials did not burn, however, about 800 older ones were burned up adjacent to the 1871 fire zone. Dang, that’s just some bad luck, right? Well actually, it was good luck for those who swooped in and purchased property on the cheap and rebuilt the area to meet their needs. The first playbook was used again since it worked so well. The following article is well worth the read.

https://drloihjournal.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-chicago-fire-of-1874.html

So, let’s think this through. The poor neighborhoods that had the largest groups of Jews, predominantly from Russia and Poland, to go with a large number of African American homes and businesses were destroyed in this fire. Add in the benefit of destroying Chicago’s notorious red light district in the process. The theme of stopping the latter activities as being a good thing was then sold by the media and influencers to the unsuspecting public. Post-fire the Jews, African Americans and prostitutes relocated to other areas farther from the city’s center for the most part.

Supposedly the fire started in a Polish Jew’s rag shop located next door to an oil company of sorts, yet, it was established the owner/operator of the rag shop was away from his business when it happened that late afternoon. It was also well known for many years that the water lines in the affected area were too small (4″), insufficient in distribution network, and clogged throughout that part of town due to improper design, modification and lack of maintenance.

🤫

Can you spell A R S O N?

Guess what area was next for reconstruction in the ‘build back better’ with construction crews and services already stationed in the area performing work from the previous fire? Guess what fire accelerated the city’s infrastructure improvements and enforcement of same in the affected area post fire?

Are we awake yet? The conditions on the ground determine the plan and implementation schedule. Take the long view, the criminal cabal does. Sometimes they get lucky and a true accident or unfortunate event happens of which they are positioned to take advantage quickly. Most times it is an intentional act that creates the calamity and the mechanism for cover up has already been activated.

The criminal cabal know there is always plenty of time to organize and implement what has already been planned decades in advance. They do not press the button every time there is an opening. They wait until the time is right for maximum effectiveness.

No person(s) were charged in either Chicago fire. Yet, entire segments of the population lost most everything they owned and were displaced by ethnicity, race and economic status. Many people were killed and injured in these events.

The criminal cabal did not care, they got what they wanted.

There Is A More Important Fire

I Corinthians 3:10-17

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire.

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

Before you get to the end result in the second paragraph above make sure you consider all of the ramifications of the first. Paul wants us to consider that we should carefully first build a foundation of faith that is built on Christ, which is then applied to our works in life. You will be contributing to the Kingdom of God and providing a platform for others who follow behind you both in spiritual matters and the secular world. How you go about your works in the world and the degree you reflect God’s will in doing so will be tested.

According to Paul, true believers in Christ who errantly build for worldly things without regard to God’s will shall still be saved from an eternity spent in Hell, but barely. Their rewards in Heaven may be quite limited at the judgment seat of Christ.

The pursuit of those worldly things may actually lead to them violating the persons described in the second paragraph. Followers of Christ have the temple of God within them through the Spirit’s dwelling. So harming others is a direct attack against God. I advise against doing that even as the lost about you are doing that very thing.

The Bottom Line

Fire. Used for purification, used for destruction. Used for good, used for evil. Most importantly for Americans, the use of fire is connected to enslavement as well as liberty.

If Mrs. O’Leary, reportedly an Irish Catholic, was a believer in Jesus Christ; all is well as she is with Him in Heaven for eternity. All of the pain she suffered in this cruel world has been replaced with incredible joy. She defended herself and her husband’s honor until her passing from death into eternal life.

But can we say the same about those who committed the subject evil acts that gained them worldly wealth, fame and power for a time? We can hope they saw the error of their pursuits and ways, then repented and accepted Christ before their deaths. If not, eternal destruction awaits the non-believer as well as discipline for the believer who participated in the evil per the quoted scripture above in I Corinthians.

Conclusion

We will continue the discussion of fire events in America for a time in this series. It continues to be one of the cabal’s most visible and effective weapons that has far reaching psychological as well as economic and environmental effects. It is not unreasonable to conclude that the more recent clowns’ use of MKUltra as well as promoting mental illness through gender dysphoria, AI, jabs, transhumanism, etc. will continue to deliver useful victims to assist with the evil activities on behalf of the criminal globalist cabal.

Blessings to all who care to spend time and read these American stories. May something of value be gained.

American Stories – Enslavement And Liberty

“The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.” – James Madison

Now is the time to roll this out. PDT and supporters have been unfairly and unreasonably attacked for years and we have been at a loss at what to do about it outside of the violence the black hats want to incite so they can throw martial law at us. That is how the commie evil works. Do not fall for it.

This story series is a change of plan as I retire both BIMD and Civilized War. it is the writer’s prerogative. 😂 The Civilized War theme is being handled beautifully by our Gail, Joe Lange of Badlands and others as they deep dive on historical events that tie to current events that hopefully reveal to YOU, the readers, that the United States of America have not been UNITED since shortly after the Revolutionary War. In fact, we have been under siege by traitors and seditionists with foreign assistance the entire time. That’s over two CENTURIES for those keeping score at home.

So, we must be a very important target for Satan and his minions to take down. What should that tell us? Those are the type questions and observations we will discuss here as we progress.

My plan is to cherrypick interconnected topics in our American heritage and further expose them in stories. What you will clearly see with each is there is a scriptural reference or answer to lead us to a successful understanding and conclusion of how to address going forward. You will be able to arrive at it using research, comparisons, and logic along with critical thinking skills that the Creator of the universe gave you.

The words from posts of many readers of the QTree are what have inspired this series. I have followed the thoughts and expressions of many of you through the years. There are common themes I have observed from the comments and they reflect a yearning for freedom, truth, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You want to see the good guys and gals win with evil doers punished. You may or may not believe in the God the Father of Abram and Moses or in his son, Jesus Christ. However, all of you expect good things and fair treatment in life that have been defined as good and fair by the Word of God. You have a vested interest in seeing our nation follow and administer the legal documents that are in place. After all, they are our rules for living in this country.

So, let’s get started and allow your minds and imaginations to run free with what could and should be.

Back To The Ancients

A couple of the primary purposes of the BIMD series were to show how many of us are interconnected in some way as well as the parallels if we find the links. We tend to slide through life unaware of the links to people and events. However, the ancient Hebrew people were well aware of them. God told them it was important to remember and tell future generations. So they went on to record their genealogies, rules for living, events, emotions, songs, prayers and so on.

If it was important for the chosen of God, it must be equally important for all people. However, we need to trust God with our whole hearts and minds to fully understand why, and better yet, experience the benefits of doing so. As an example, there are excellent reasons I and II Chronicles exist in the Bible and they are not just for history lessons. For those who are not familiar, the link below gives an accurate summary of them. It is a five minute read, tops.

https://overviewbible.com/1-2-chronicles/

Now that we have a general idea, let us dig into a scripture passage that could and should apply today in America if we had Godly leaders and/or a similar singularly focused commitment by We the People.

II Chronicles 20:5-30 (NKJV)

5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.

14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”

18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.

20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:

“Praise the Lord,
For His mercy endures forever.”

22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 23 For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

24 So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.

25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much. 26 And on the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, for there they blessed the Lord; therefore the name of that place was called The Valley of Berachah until this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. 28 So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the Lord. 29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.

What Was Once Can Be Again

Are we paying attention, America?

King Jehoshaphat addressed the Lord and to summarize his words said something like this in our language, “Lord, we left those enemy peoples alone per your commands when You brought us out of Egypt. You gave us this land forever because of your relationship with father Abraham. Now these enemies are threatening us and we do not know what to do. We are scared. Their forces are too large and we are out of ideas and options. So we are putting our fate into your hands while we seek your favor and protection. Our eyes are on you.”

Then a man from the priestly Levite line named Jehoshaphat (whose name meant “God sees”) who received God’s divine instructions tells the King and people to quit worrying and show up in the valley at the Wilderness of Tekoa where the enemy is preparing for war the next morning. In essence he tells them that God’s got this. The King and people humble themselves before the Lord, believe, and wait.

They then went out the next morning to face their enemies with complete trust in the outcome. When they arrived on the scene they found the Lord had already fought their battle. They see that it was a complete wipe out, nothing but dead bodies everywhere. Apparently their enemies had turned upon themselves to their own complete destruction. So with God’s blessing the people proceeded to take all the good stuff. They head home after a few days of collecting the spoils, singing praises to the Lord and rejoicing. For the rest of King Jehoshaphat’s reign there was peace. I guess so, nobody much would want to mess with a nation that had a God that would fight for them like that.

Faith, trust, obedience, deliverance, joy. That is victory.

Which leads to this observation. The decisions made and actions taken by the people discussed in those two books affected what has happened throughout history as well as what happens in the future on this planet and in Heaven. If you doubt it, look at Israel, Gaza and the Middle East today. We can be so very thankful for this recording of history.

Jesus And The Parables

Jesus continued this method of communication through stories that contained parables for good reasons. Parables are simply illustrations within a larger story that compare one thing to something else. He utilized old testament scripture, history, people, multiple meanings, parallels and interconnections that some listeners could relate to and grasp. They would contain hooks that would encourage the listeners to go deeper in their understanding. The listeners would know or need to know the context in which they were told.

This later point is one reason why so many struggle with understanding the Bible through the years. This same struggle happened to those who were present and listened to Jesus during that time as well as today as we read the the Word or hear it taught and preached. Even his closest disciples had difficulty understanding His words and applying. As a result many were more interested in the miracles He performed. In doing so they missed the most important lessons from the life giving Word as told through the Son of God in doing so. The miracles only happened because the Word of the Son of God was believed and trusted.

In effect, we all need a “rhema” moment as Paul describes. This is when what you hear or read leads you to see things in a new or different way. They become “Eureka!” moments when it all makes sense. The light bulb comes on. You then take it into your being, who you are, and act on it. Which leads to the next, the next, the next and so on. Along that journey you gain from the Lord’s wisdom and insight. His ways become your ways just as Jahaziel exhibited in the previous story. The Lord trusted Him to deliver the message of salvation from those who would destroy His people. The Lord wanted the people to know in advance what would happen to encourage their faith.

However, it all took the faith of the leader of the nation, King Jehoshaphat, to be willing to humble himself and acknowledge that as a people they could not make it on their own. Next, it took the people to realize they were in trouble and that they should go to the Lord and trust His response to their predicament. In that process we learn there was a man in their midst who had a strong relationship with Yahweh. He was trusted by Him to relay the message of future deliverance.

Throughout history many people have demonstrated they are unwilling to take the next step of faith and commit their heads and hearts to understanding God’s Word and its application. They seek reasons not to and instead, discount the value and avoid. They resist committing time, brain cells and their whole hearts to the endeavor. Yet, it is within this commitment decision that the answers they seek lie and rhema comes.

This inattention or rejection of what is important leads to personal enslavement. Do not miss that point. People have the God-given opportunity to participate with their Creator for eternity, yet, choose to yawn, ignore, blow off and move on to more worldly pursuits that interest them. That decision leads to slavery.

Again, Joshua 24:15; Choose this day whom you will serve. Even Dylan knows.

To fully receive what the Lord has for us, including the liberty we seek, we must commit to the pursuit. Slackers will not be rewarded. The Lord knows His children and who genuinely seeks His voice and counsel. He will not cast his pearls before swine as stated in Matthew 7:6. He will not allow the answers to be used against His purposes. As a result the wise follower approaches His throne humbly with a sincere spirit in seeking greater understanding and assistance.

Just as we saw King Jehoshaphat do.

The Ten Commandments and laws were principles for living that also had real life consequences if violated. There is little doubt what a command means; abide by each or expect repercussions. They were the hammer, no gray area left to discuss. They are also timeless and do not need a government of the world to administer or a sermon to understand their validity. In contrast the parables of Christ expanded the reach of God’s commands, laws and will into a guide for daily living and human relations, which He lived out in front of everybody. They were the real world application. They corrected many misconceptions and improper practices that had been developed by the Pharisees, Sadducees and others through the centuries. It is no wonder that Jesus was met with such hostility by the Establishment of His day. He disrupted their money tree and links to power over the people.

As it applies to our lives in America today, does living in accordance with God’s will negatively impact what the Establishment of today tries to accomplish? You bet it does. All we have to do is compare back to the ancients again to see confirmation that there is nothing new under the sun.

You may ask what was so troublesome with how the Hebrew leaders handled the 613 commandments found in scriptures in the Torah that were provided by God before Christ arrived on the scene? Hebrew leaders compiled and proceeded to expand the teachings of God’s commands with their interpretations and required applications, which later took the form of The Talmud (Jerusalem and Babylonian) and other related documents. This led to legalism and style over substance. Some were evil in intent. These teachings were administered and enforced by the religious authorities in their theocracy of religious government. They imposed their “yoke” on the people that led to burdens they could not endure over time. The apostate Hebrew leaders were responsible, just as apostate Christian and Jewish leaders are today, when they add to or take away from the God-given message and context of the Holy Word. The imposed burden becomes slavery to achieve the ends of the leaders, in direct conflict with God’s will for His people.

The commandments and laws of God were given to assist mankind and enable them to remain faithful to Him. Mankind did not exist to serve the commandments and laws.

America Today

Does any of that sound familiar, fellow American citizens?

We have a Declaration of Independence and Constitution based on Godly principles provided by believers in God who founded this country. All signers of the former were self proclaimed Christians at the time of signing. Half had divinity school training. There were 55 Protestants and one Catholic. Of this 56, 48 were born in the American colonies. It is believed by some sources that a few changed to unitarian or became deists at some points after the signing. However, for anybody to say this nation was not founded on Christian principles is absurd. Do not buy that load of garbage.

https://www.historynewsnetwork.org/article/did-you-know-that-half-the-declarations-signers-ha

The vast majority of the Constitution signers were also Christian along with a handful of deists and others who believed in the foundational moralities and truths of the Bible. There were 39 signers of the Declaration who also signed the Constitution. Despite attempts by the rewriters of history and the efforts of their fact checking scoundrel comrades; those facts are irrefutable. The recorded words and lives of the founders attested to the Christian understanding as do the documents themselves. They are two of the most noble, humanitarian governing documents ever produced in world history. The unique thing is that you do not have to be a Christian to receive the benefits of a Constitution that is designed for We the People to govern.

What has happened since the founding of the nation and the implementation of said Constitution? There has been an assault on original intent with the lawless seizing of authority and powers by people opposed to its content using operatives placed in positions of authority and influence. None of this is more glaring than with the unauthorized control over national affairs by our Establishment. These criminals are the current ruling class who have imposed their wills top down on We the People. What they do is a complete circumvention of the laws of our land.

The worldly bible of our nation, the Constitution, defines who has ultimate authority and it is We the People. The Constitution and government that administers it exist for the benefit of We the People. We the People do not exist or serve for the benefit of the Constitution and the government that administers it. The elected officials, their administrative support and agency operatives work for us. Do they act like they do?

As a legally formulated representative Republic, these elected officials who do their own wills and form alliances freely choose to act against the will of We the People, often times in a criminal manner. This is not what God’s will was for His people in ancient Israel or today in America, the land and people dedicated to God at its inception as a nation.

Watching the crimes of these usurpers being committed in full view of the world; the next step normally would be for We the People to identify the offenders who commit them, inform law enforcement entities, and hold the prosecution of same accountable. Knowing that process, the Establishment thoroughly corrupted not only the political parties and processes, but also the enforcement entities and the judiciary. What may be missed in that now obvious conclusion is that the process of corruption took more than a century to accomplish to the current level.

The Establishment simply became levers of control for a cabal of powerful, globalist criminals who desire to rule the world. They follow the will of Satan. All of what they do is opposed to God’s will for the people per his Holy Word. You know it by the fruit of their labors. Who benefits the most from their system?

So what does Satan do to people who cower and refuse to resist? They become enslaved to his will instead of being accountable to God’s. Which was a historical fate of the ancient Hebrews when they took their eyes off God. Conversely, what was the result when they cast their eyes on Him and fully trusted? It is the same for America.

Countering Satanic Oppression In America Today

II Chronicles 20: 12-13:

12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.

Deliverance from slavery and death means we, more specifically MAGA supporters, must humbly approach and keep our eyes on the Lord. Take the step in faith and believe, just like King Jehoshaphat and the ancient Israelites learned. The Lord will then reveal what it is we are to do, if anything. Accept that His will for our lives is best, whatever that may be.

In doing that, what should we avoid? Doing evil, sinning, not trusting Him, and not answering His call when He places something on our hearts. He will tell us when and what if He wants us to do something. All we do is simply live blameless in His sight and keep our eyes upon Him, trusting in His providence and grace, one step and one day at time.

Then humbly watch what He does to deliver us from evil. See the results from God addressing those who would do us harm as they destroy themselves, just like King Jehoshaphat and the ancient Israelites did.

Notice what did not happen in that Biblical story? The King and people were not given the privilege of watching the destruction of their enemies. They were only permitted to see the end result. Bear that in mind for future reference with our current civil war battle in America. I believe God did not want the people to be filled with pride, which would lead them to sin.

Conclusion

All of what has happened in the world since the times of the ancient Hebrews has been the same war raging for the souls of mankind. It is no wonder we are in the condition we are as a nation. We need to accept that this other worldly war will never end until Jesus returns as the Bible indicates. We know this to be applicable to us because this nation was dedicated to God and His principles at its founding.

We know from factual history and observations on the ground today that God will not reward our nation’s leaders for placing a burdensome yoke of enslavement on We the People. Our existence as a nation happened due to the burning desire to escape that same type burden. This desire is voiced throughout our founding documents. Which is why it all seems to be in chaos around us at times. Collectively we have been taking our eyes off God. Instead we have trusted the might of our military, our economy, politics, our ingenuity and so on to stay safe and live well; all of which has been crumbling around us. Now, we keep looking for a knight in shining armor to save the day. Meanwhile all of our existence and expectations can be gone in a blink of an eye as we are learning.

Despite that there is hope. It can all change today…

These stories that tell us of His truth are precious to the soul. They keep us grounded and hopeful for better days. The real history of America reveals we are a nation dedicated to God and His purposes. When we turn from that dedication, that mission of hope for all people; we and others dependent on us suffer the consequences.

We are the sons and daughters of liberty who trust God. We must respond as the faithful of the past did who had their eyes on God and yearned for freedom instead of slavery. If we do, great things will happen.

Back In My Day: Finale

You may be surprised a bit about how this BIMD series ends. My days as an active participant in business as well as industry related government and politics ended not long after the debt markets collapse and The Great Recession of 2008. I have led readers through a maze of connections and parallels to well known people, events, criminals and American culture over several decades. So it probably will make sense to some of you that I end with another odd connection to a person I have never actually met, yet, know on a deeper level than many who have. It is only fitting that this series Finale end this way.

Senator James Donald (Bowman) Vance

Time to pull back my curtain more. If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to read the book of Mr. Ohio MAGA and now, devoted PDT supporter, Senator J. D. Vance. It is called Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis.

JD’s background is similar to mine though we are thirty years apart in age. Like me, he was not a Donald Trump fan when he was younger. However, I quickly accepted and embraced the importance of what Donald and Melania Trump did when they came down that escalator. Quite frankly, JD would have been too young to fully understand why that was so important. With what I had witnessed in our country over many years I saw that act as a “real” profile in courage that I admired. It led me to digging deeper and seeing America First was not just a self promoting slogan of The Donald. JD embraced PDT years later after PDT won the presidency. He wrote and published the subject book in 2016, which was made into a leftist leaning Netflix movie by Ron Howard along with stars Glenn Close and Amy Adams a few years later. His understanding of politics and the world had not yet percolated into the finer blend it is today.

In summary, like most of us, JD was and is a work in process. I am good with that since he made the correct choices for America when he gained maturity such that wisdom and discernment could rule his head and heart. The Wiki page linked below is a reasonable representation of him in my opinion although I realize folks may quibble over specifics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._D._Vance

If readers care to know who I am as well as millions like me including JD from the past, present and future; you need to understand who Scots-Irish hillbillies are. This may seem strange to many of you. However, JD explains it well in the Introduction section of his book, which only expands as it goes. As a people we are in the backbone of MAGA and that started long before Donald Trump arrived on the scene. Some of the original “America First” are Scots-Irish. We are the same people who view all humans as equal; who left the oppression of the British monarchy, controlled state religion, and heavy handed government for the wilds of America. Independent, self sufficient and contrary to a fault while being fiercely loyal to family, friends and America would be a good description. A large number of our types, hillbillies, settled into the Appalachian mountains. However, we have long since spread our wings into the rest of this country. Below is a link to know more about a very important segment of America that is ignored by the media narratives of the day.

https://www.americanheritage.com/scotch-irish

Connections And Parallels

I am going to delve into this and more with the expansion of the Civilized War series, which replaces BIMD. This is another reason why I suggest reading JD’s book to gain a down and dirty understanding of a large segment of people in America. Our midwestern readers on here may enjoy the read as much as the hillbillies. Others from around the country and other walks of life will probably be interested in the family interactions and the personal effects that the drug culture has on society that JD describes. As a bonus you get a first hand view of law school at Yale as well as the Ivy League and law industry in general. Many may want to know what a potential VP pick and current MAGA senator on the rise looked like when he was growing up and as a young adult. The readers will get a raw, emotional, strong sense of what makes JD tick, while knowing he has continued to grow and evolve.

To cut to the chase, JD and I are from the same hometown of Middletown, OH. We just lived there a few decades apart. He was born in the year I divorced and moved from the delta to eastern TN, which was a rebirth for me. So he was born when I was reborn. His grandfather undoubtedly worked with my father in that Armco steel mill during the same period. They probably had met and possibly knew each other well. With his family being coal miners from southeastern KY before hitting the Hillbilly Highway like my parents did from southwestern VA, there could have been other interconnections. As an example, the best man and matron of honor at my parents wedding in 1950 in that VA coal mining town they soon left, which was not that far from Breathitt County, KY; were a married couple named Vance. They may have been related to JD through his grandparents in some way. A look at where the men spent many of their years along with a couple of summers for me is below.

https://www.journal-news.com/news/historical-photos-armco-and-steel-through-the-years-middletown/RBj4EDBeOMNjbKyjQVUv6M/

JD’s grandparents and my parents both hit the Hillbilly Highway north, U. S. Route 23, within a year of each other. The coal mines were shutting down and the jobs were ending. The attraction of heading to the MidWest to the explosion of factory jobs was strong. For many there was very little choice and that would include my parents and JD’s grandparents.

The Path To MAGA Is Littered With Good Intentions

I will interject a point now that was made clear to me awhile back by our esteemed host and leader, Wolf. When people are sincere and have no desire to harm others, consider granting them a path back to restoration when they have fallen. Show a little grace. Consider refraining from attacks or making assumptions; give them the opportunity to learn and grow if they are misguided and still finding their way. As an example, Wolf advised me to do that with well meaning medical practitioners with Grandson #1 and he was right. They adapted to conditions on the ground, learned and changed. This concept and practice also applies to other occupations and people. We need to remember, especially during this period around Easter, that we all have received a path back to redemption via the cross at Calvary. Most folks are trying to find their ways in a confusing world and if we are patient and offer guidance when given the opportunity it may work to our collective benefit.

It is an absolute miracle JD made it out of his situation. It is also highly unusual for somebody who was subjected to what he was as a child to become what he has become. Along his life’s journey he made the decision to sign on for a four year stint with the Marines from 2003-2007 that included doing his part in the Iraq War. That endeavor appeared to instill discipline, order and the confidence he lacked. He followed that by working a couple of jobs while getting through Ohio State with two degrees in 19 months. Each experience he endured changed him in some way, sometimes good and sometimes bad. He did not get everything right, none of us do. As an example even into adulthood his views of Barrack Obama were an example of getting it totally wrong. I am sure he learned differently as much of the rest of the world has. Being young and impressionable he fell for the uniparty ploys as portrayed in his book. He valued social and occupational climbing within the society that once excluded him. However, you can tell that he was beginning to rethink all of it a couple years after PDT won as stated in the Afterword section of the book. Again, this book was written prior to its publishing in 2016.

JD’s life to the point of his Yale Law School days left him wondering about many things most people never notice who have not experienced what he did growing up. The following stood out like a sore thumb to me from his book:

“When you go from working-class to professional-class, almost everything about your old life becomes unfashionable at best or unhealthy at worst. At no time was this more obvious than the first (and last) time I took a Yale friend to Cracker Barrel. In my youth, it was the height of fine dining—my grandma’s and my favorite restaurant. With Yale friends, it was a greasy public health crisis.

Vance, J. D.. Hillbilly Elegy (p. 208). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

In all deference to JD and his friends, the new Biscuit Benny at Cracker Barrel is a food culture masterpiece. Those snobs you developed networks and hobnobbed with at fancy dining establishments were idgits. Been there, done that, know the end results. Give me the people and the comfort food at the Cracker Barrel. While you are at it, JD, ask PDT about his affinity for Big Macs.

He goes on to discuss the inner workings of Yale Law School, job interviews, and fine tuning his academics and related activities. In summary, he was playing the man’s game hoping to hit all sevens on the slot machine of life. This is similar to what I did before escaping the Dem criminal machine of the delta for good. Finally, he hits pay dirt in the form of sage advice from a trusted professor about him potentially clerking for a Supreme Court feeder judge to improve his credentials.

“I think you’re doing this for the credential, which is fine, but the credential doesn’t actually serve your career goals. If you don’t want to be a high-powered Supreme Court litigator, you shouldn’t care that much about this job.” She then told me how hard a clerkship with this judge would be. He was demanding to the extreme. His clerks didn’t take a single day off for an entire year. Then she got personal. She knew I had a new girlfriend and that I was crazy about her. “This clerkship is the type of thing that destroys relationships. If you want my advice, I think you should prioritize Usha and figure out a career move that actually suits you.” It was the best advice anyone has ever given me, and I took it. I told her to withdraw my application.”

Vance, J. D.. Hillbilly Elegy (pp. 219-220). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

He took her advice. His future wife was in Yale law school when they first met and later clerked for Justices Kavanaugh and Roberts. We can give her experiences and employers the side eye, but we also need to acknowledge that at least those two are not Ginsburg types. They have delivered some wins lately even if they disappoint on occasion. JD may actually continue to benefit from his wife’s thoughts and experiences as it comes from the real world. She was a bit unique in that she exhibited no pretense and has a lot of plain speak in her. All of it came together for them because he took counsel from a wise female law school professor who recommended he avoid the spotlight of doing something that would not necessarily benefit his personal and occupational plans along with the relationships. Score one for wisdom and discernment.

And if you have read his book, I found the same level of acceptance and love for family and those in need of kindness as JD found through his wife and her family. Just like him, it took many years and a failed marriage to overcome the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) that I had experienced. They were different than JD’s, but just as devastating.

More Comparisons

“My” plan always included living in the east TN area where I do today going back to when I was 5 or 6 years old. I never felt comfortable or fit in well where I had to grow up in the Rust Belt even though many would consider me to have been successful in doing so. My heart was always in the hills and mountains of Appalachia as it was for JD growing up. One of my high school nicknames was even Tennessee. However, the attraction changed for JD over time.

Rural Appalachia was the ancestral land of both sides of my family tracing back into the early 1700’s on my Scots-Irish/English side as well as many centuries before that on my mother’s Cherokee side. It was where I spent a good portion of my life growing up as we were always on the road visiting family around the region as time permitted just as JD describes in his book. JD’s Papaw and Mamaw in southeastern KY were the equivalent of my Papaw and Mamaw in eastern TN as well as Mamaw and step grandfather in southwestern VA – just different lives and stories to tell. There were also far less four letter words spoken by mine and definitely no hillbilly justice with a gun in hand. 😂

I had a love for the great outdoors, the mountains, forests, streams, rivers, lakes and most of all, the people of this region. Still do. I marvel at the bear, deer, turkey, hawks, eagles, trout and bass that abound here. As I aged I no longer pretended life was OK living anywhere else. JD adapted to his environment in Ohio much better than I did. Both of us lived elsewhere before choosing to go to our promised lands for good. Little did I know as a kid when we hit the roads south that I was passing by my future wife’s hometown as we took Mamaw and Papaw on trips with us into the Smokies national park. We may have eaten in the local restaurant Wifey worked in when she became a part-time server at age 13 to help her family make ends meet.

JD chose to return to and stay in Ohio, his home. I chose to go to TN, my home. Both choices were the right things to do based on our individual circumstances. JD’s upbringing was rough and more violent. Mine was slightly more civilized with a Masonic/Eastern Star cult influence. JD’s was filled with no parental stability due to a revolving door of spouses and boyfriends to go with a mother lost in substance abuse and mental illness. Mine had no divorce proceedings, yet plenty of alcohol addiction, mental illness, screaming and multiple relationships causing two people to be nothing but bad roommates. Both of our dysfunctional homes were filled with great mental suffering for the children. Both of us found solace, stability and safe harbor with grandparents and friends.

Even with all of that in his past, it is not surprising at all to me that JD is on PDT’s short list for VP. He overcame great odds to be who he now is, which is somebody PDT would highly value. Once he figured things out about PDT and it matched his personal vision for America; he jumped in with both feet as any good Scots-Irish hillbilly former Marine would do. He is a high functioning individual who is battle hardened. He fits the image of what PDT wants the GOP to become with some on the job training.

To read JD’s story, is to read mine. Different characters, different time period, different influences, different occupations, similar ancestral backgrounds, similar family life concerns, same determination, same theme and similar storyline. Literally the same streets, same type people, even the same grocery store describe our life stories growing up. We played in the same parks and rode bikes on the same sidewalks. His mother grew up about 4-5 minutes from our home at the same time, the same home he lived in with his Mamaw much of the time. His mother is my younger sibling’s age, although they probably would not have known each other since we moved to a smaller community nearby in my junior high school years.

I was never all that good at imposed compliance and scripted existence, which is why I declined an opportunity for a Naval Academy appointment in high school and followed the path in my BIMD stories. The spectacle and obvious deception about the Vietnam War turned me away from the military. Decades later after his time in the Marines, JD chose to go to Ohio State and Yale law school when provided the opportunities. Both choices reflected what each of us believed were the right things to do at the time, which were in different periods of American history. We both made our own decisions about our futures.

My parents are both buried in the Rust Belt area where they made their beds all those years. JD’s grandparents were buried back home in Breathitt County, KY. My father even bought grave plots overlooking that same steel mill to which he gave much of his life. That is where he wanted his final resting place – until he didn’t. In his last days as he neared death while living with us back in TN he deeply regretted having left the land of his father and mother. He was so proud that I returned and made a good life here. He loved Wifey and Daughter with all of his heart and enjoyed our circle of friends and Wifey’s side of the family. He even joined us in our worship of the Lord. Before he passed away he had progressed to the point of wanting to lead us in saying grace over meals, much to our delight. If I had asked him to be buried here, he likely would have. Instead I told him to finish what he had started there in Ohio, and so he did. I took him back to Ohio to die and be buried overlooking the mill. All of his friends and family came to the funeral. Our 92 year old former retired pastor officiated the services. It was well with his and my souls.

It Is A Small World

When we take time to care about and have relationships with other people there is great benefit to all. You never know when you might say the right words, offer encouragement or provide for the physical needs of somebody who needs them at the perfect time. The same applies to truly listening to understand somebody else. Lending a hand to the less fortunate and children is such a no brainer for those who care for their neighbors. We all need help at times.

From the BIMD stories I have shown some of my interconnections and parallels with people and events that you may know or otherwise have an interest. My challenge to you the reader is to identify your own. Discover how all of your experiences fit together and share the experiences with others. Telling and listening to stories has been done since mankind set foot on earth. It adds great value to life. It is within these life stories you may find the hand of God has also guided or even saved you or somebody you love.

We live in a giant, beautiful mosaic of goodness that has been intruded on by those who seek to disrupt and destroy. Do not let them. Love others anyway. Share your stories.

I would not be me without one last short connection discussion. I had a line of business boss in corporate lending BIMD (the bank had a wierd org structure) who worked with me on the underwriting of the Haslam family’s Pilot Oil needs. As God would have it, he was born and raised in the same hometown of JD and me in Middletown, OH. He was a decade older than me and grew up in the “wrong” end of town. His father deserted the family growing up, which had a profound impact on how he lived his life. He was fortunate like JD and me to receive financial assistance for college and to go to nearby Miami University in Oxford. After graduation he left the area for good. A long commercial banking career ensued in several states that eventually led him to east TN. Throughout it all he continually chased the blessing of and inclusion in the high society crowds in each community. Earlier in life he married, they had children, he had an affair with a younger co-worker, he divorced, he left his kids with their mom, he married the mistress co-worker, and they moved on to other employers and places. As time went by his younger wife became the major breadwinner in the family. He eventually would just coat tail her by working with the company she was asked to join.

In the middle of those times with wife #2, we ended up working together when he was hitting the backside of his usefulness in his commercial banking career. However, he was still trying his best to be included in high society. It was the same type social climbing situations I had been thrust into by my ex’s family that I totally rejected more than a decade before he and I worked together. He would get irritated if I did not agree with him and participate in that pursuit. At one point, exasperated, he said, “I know where you came from and where you are today. You are just a redneck. Don’t you want to rise above it?” I looked him in the eye and said, “No. I am a hillbilly and quite proud of it.” He backed away and never confronted me again.

He knew who hillbillies were since he grew up in the middle of them in Middletown. No further explanation was necessary. I left that job a year later. He continued with that bank until they let him go a couple of years later and took a job chasing more rich people and clients for a large international investment company his wife had joined. He has wasted his entire life chasing other people’s dreams and what he thought would make him happy. For many with ACE that feeling of inadequacy never seems to go away. Mine changed forever when I was reborn by the Holy Spirit of God in my promised land. It remains to be seen if it will or already has for JD.

You have been shown three guys from three different generations who were all from the same midwestern town of 50 K population who came up from working class situations and completely broken families that went on to live very different lives that crossed the nation once they became adults and left that town. This story is just one example of the interconnections and parallels that our loving God orchestrates for billions and billions of lives on this planet every second of every day.

My job is done here. I have done what I intended to do, it is now time for this series to end. Forward we march to Civilized War and other stories. Blessings to all and may God forgive and bless our nation as we turn our eyes toward Him and His glory.

He. Is. Risen. ✝️