This is a little complicated or a rehash of events for a regular post, but I beg your indulgence and value YOUR opinions in response. In fact, this group, as you know, was hand-picked for “influencers”. A place where we could discuss larger topics, in depth, and then spread information to our “friends”, in an effort to find the truth and push back on MSM.

Here, we begin the discussion of “The Strong Man in the Middle East versus the strong men who are Democratically Elected leaders with liberties for the citizenry”. No babies allowed.

We all remember Saddam Hussein in Iraq. He was a ruthless leader, a “StrongMan” of the Middle East. He led his countrymen into an 8yr War with Iran which concluded as a “draw” and by 1987 had gassed 287,000 Kurds. https://www.thoughtco.com/top-crimes-of-saddam-hussein-1779933

When he invaded Kuwait in 1991, the USA became involved in Operation Desert Storm. We recall the warnings of Norman Schwarzkopf who was reluctant to cease operations and instead, preferred to “roll all the way to Baghdad”. Schwarzkopf knew the bigger problem was left, unresolved.

“W” Bush returned to Iraq after the WTC were destroyed for “weapons of mass destruction”, either in error or intentionally misled by the intel community and politicians. The war in Iraq was expensive in both blood and treasure for America and for Iraqis. In the end, Saddam Hussein was hunted down as the “Ace of Spades” and hung.

But — we never removed the counterbalance to the force Saddam represented. Saddam was one side of the power struggle in the Middle East. Iran’s Mullahs, backed by IRGC was the other side. By removing Saddam, Iran became the bully on the block.

In retrospect, most foreign policy experts recognized the problem of removing Saddam and “not planning for what comes afterwards”. We could say, we made the same mistake in Libya, removing Gaddafi, and not planning for the mayhem which comes from removing a strong, albeit ruthless, leader. OUR actions plunged the country into chaos. Results are mixed with the only clear beneficiaries being the weapons manufacturers…. and the politicians.

Maybe the Green Revolution in 2009, within Iran, would have removed the Mullahs and returned Iran to democracy. In this way, BOTH Iran and Iraq would have removed their “Strongmen”, the ruthless and oppressive leaders, and the Middle East would have had a chance for democracy and a few more freedoms for the people. Yet, the Obama Admin came to power in 2009, and strangely, the Obama Admin remained silent on the Green Revolution in Iran…………. giving a nod to the Mullahs.

How odd.

And Iran remained the central power, the strongest, in the Middle East. Iran developed nuclear ambition and a desire to become a hedgemon, returning Persia to its former glory. The Obama Admin helped. Whether their intentions were innocent or intentional is a subject for dispute.

The Obama policy was sold as “use Iran as a balance to Saudi and Israel in the Middle East”, and found eager supporters in those inclined to hate Israel for disparate personal reasons. Obama spoke glowingly of the efficiency of the QUDS force, and in particular, admiration for men like Soleimani. See the article: https://www.hudson.org/research/11436-obama-strikes-a-deal-with-qassem-suleimani?fbclid=IwAR0qflzLSpU94PK1Me0uZnhWLmBuwEtfKMBITeEOAOkScx-K0a1bwSFCEZs

What was supposed to be a counterbalance, quickly turned into intentional “favor for Iran” as the “Strongman in region who could at least keep the peace”. Yet, the results turned over large swaths of land to Iranian direct/indirect control. Entire countries fell to Iran as proxies (Russia is not a proxy of Iran, understood).

Every foreign policy expert will agree, the most efficient form of government is the “Benevolent Dictator”. Yet, what happens when the guy in charge is not benevolent? What happens when the guy with the real power in the region is a guy like Soleimani?

At key points, the Obama Admin helped Iran’s rise to power. Were they “leading from behind”?

The Obama Admin left Iraq in 2011, without a “Status of Forces Agreement” (meaning our soldiers would be subject to Iraqi Law) allowing Iranian influence to overtake Iraq. What Iran could not win via war with Saddam, they took because they were the bully on the block and flush with cash.

Take a look at a post from Kinthenorthwest about Obama Admin actions in the following years.

2011 – Libya. Operation Odyssey Dawn. Coalition forces enforcing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 with bombings of Libyan forces. drain
2011 – War on Terrorism. Osama Bin Laden is killed by U.S. military forces in Pakistan as part of Operation Neptune Spear.
2011 – Drone strikes on al-Shabab militants begin in Somalia.[15] This marks the 6th nation in which such strikes have been carried out, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen and Libya.[citation needed]
2011 – Uganda. US Combat troops sent in as advisers to Uganda.[16]
2012 – Jordan. 150 US troops deployed to Jordan to help it contain the Syrian Civil War.
2012 – Turkey. 400 troops and two batteries of Patriot missiles sent to Turkey to prevent any missile strikes from Syria.
2012 – Chad. 50 U.S. troops have deployed to the African country of Chad to help evacuate U.S. citizens and embassy personnel from the neighboring Central African Republic’s capital of Bangui in the face of rebel advances toward the city.
2013 – Mali. US forces assisted the French in Operation Several with air refueling and transport aircraft.

ISIS was born in the interim and it was in Iran’s best interest to crush ISIS, obtaining control of more oil-rich land in northern and western regions of Iraq. In this way, Iran sided with Assad and moved into Syria.

Another country.

How convenient.

Do you all remember $5/gallon gasoline? The profits fueled Iran’s goals and expansion. As Iran took control of region after region, they became a little greedy and went into Yemen, using the Houthis to attack Saudi Arabia. https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/10/08/the-iranian-sphere-of-influence-expands-into-yemen/

Do you remember when oil fell to $44/barrel? This was a direct act by the Saudis and other OPEC countries to starve Iran of oil profits. Iran was on the brink of destruction, economically, when Obama Admin stepped in again, with the JCPOA, releasing billions of dollars, to a designated terrorist state, WITH INTEREST. https://www.thestreet.com/opinion/indecent-exposure-91to-commodities93-12680612

Interestingly, the 18 month long campaign by the Saudis, lowering the cost of oil, brought Russia’s economy to the brink, as they cast aside support of Cuba. Yet, when Cuba was on the brink, ready for defeat, Obama again stepped in to save the dictatorship of the Castro brothers. Suddenly, Beyonce and her pals found a new playground in Havana….. and the money, in USD, flowed to Cuba.

Strange, eh?

Then, there’s the problem with Hezbollah in Lebanon, another Iranian back proxy. Hezbollah is a direct threat to Israel. We know, from Operation Cassandra and in depth reporting from Politico, Hezbollah was selling USA cars in Africa and importing hundreds of metric tons, thousands of tons of cocaine and other drugs into the USA. On the brink of a years long investigation by our DEA, ready to roll up the whole operation, again, the Obama Admin stepped in and stopped all operations, in favor of Iran. The Obama Admin didn’t want to embarrass Iran which might preclude the JCPOA deal. https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obama-hezbollah-drug-trafficking-investigation/

In summary, the Obama admin favored Iran, the Strongman left within the region of the Middle East to maintain some sense of order and balance power between Saudi, Iran, and Israel. Yet, the Obama Team received the opposite of what they expected.

Immediately, instead of being a calming influence, benevolent, and maintaining some kind of “order”, Iran, with a blind eye from America, began to use their military and money to overthrow other countries in the region, the Saudis and Israel. Iran was the bad kid, the horrific and torturing bully, with an almost unlimited credit card, spoiled, rotten, and hungry for more power. The “teenager” whom Obama left in charge started running guns, women, drugs, and taking over friendly countries. The monster was loose from his cage.

No, Iran/Soleimani was not a benevolent dictator. And make no mistake, Soleimani was the leader of Iran. Let’s posit this question, originally from Scott Adams, paraphrasing:

If there are two men in a room, and one has a Quran and one has a gun, who is in charge? The answer is = The person in charge is whoever the guy with the gun WANTS to be in charge.

Scott Adams

If Soleimani was a deeply religious man and genuinely served at the behest of his Mullah leader, then the Mullah was in charge. Yet, let us not be naive. If Soleimani wanted to overthrow the Mullahs, he could have.

• Could peace in the Middle East ever happen with a man like a Soleimani in charge?
• How could the Mullahs thwart the ambition of a man like Soleimani? If they WANTED to?
• Do you think spending on the Iranian military was ever curbed?
• Did the QUDS forces go hungry, like the people of Iran did over the last 2years?
• Do you think maybe the Mullahs were threatened by a man like Soleimani?
• With the economy of Iran crumbing under sanction by the USA, do you think the Mullahs might be worried about an overthrow……… maybe to install a military regime…….. with a leader like Soleimani?
• Do you think, perhaps, the Mullahs, who were deeply unpopular 2 weeks ago, are secretly relieved Soleimani is gone and the country is distracted from the Mullahs failure?

The DAY BEFORE he was killed, The Times of London published a list of 20 faces to look out for, rising stars, for 2020. Among them……… Soleimani of Iraq. Hmmmm…… https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rising-stars-twenty-faces-to-look-out-for-in-2020-kwcmc8mzf

Gosh, it’s a wonder the Mullahs didn’t kill Soleimani themselves, but that might have led to greater unpopularity of the Mullahs and accelerated an overthrow.

Oh, my! What to do?

Could…. would ….. anything ever stop the trajectory of a man like Soleimani?

No.

Only a guy with a bigger gun…………. and his name is President Trump.

But…………..President Trump worked slowly and methodically to disassemble the apparatus of terror in the Middle East. In retrospect, we can see President Trump’s fingerprints all over the Middle East. It’s quite remarkable, really, unlike anything attempted heretofore.

Remember how shocked we all were with President Trump’s continued meetings with King Abdullah of Jordan, starting almost immediately?

And Al Sisi of Egypt?

Remember how the Press Corps was befuddled when President Trump’s FIRST foreign visit was to Saudi Arabia?

And the Trump speech, bold and strong, before all members of the GCC? May 21, 2017, it was one for the record books!

He called on the leaders to root out and destroy the terrorism within their own countries and topped it off with a sword dance. Always better for people within the region to police their own. Why do we have to do it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=runYPf4Q2g8

Does ANYONE think the commemoration of the Saudi Intel building was a one-off? Remember the “orb”? Remember the Princes from the House of Saud imprisoned at the Ritz-Carlton, for months, while their corruption was sorted out? Talk about a house-cleaning….

And were you as surprised as I was when Tamir Pardo, the head of Mossad was interviewed, talking about full intel cooperation with Saudi Arabia? Did you ever think we would see it in our lifetimes?

In November and December 2017, there was a flurry of rare public confirmation of contacts between Israel and the Saudis by former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, minister Yuval Steinitz and then-CIA director Mike Pompeo.

https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Mossad-Saudi-intel-officials-get-along-well-says-former-chief-590531

Let’s not forget the “Eager Lion” exercises in the Middle East, joint forces, kind of like a NATO for the Middle East…. a force which could counteract the Iranians.

The United States has been working meticulously to create a new security alliance comprised of the six Gulf Arab states, plus Jordan and Egypt. The new Arab NATO is expected to be formally announced during the next Gulf Summit in Washington to be held in about two weeks. The new alliance will serve as a “bulwark against Iranian aggression, terrorism, extremism and will bring stability to the Middle East”, a spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council said. Interestingly, there has been a de facto alliance among the Gulf Arab states and the United States to contain Iran’s influence in the region. And yet, there has been a key difference between Saudi Arabia and the United States with regard to Iran’s growing influence on both Syria and Iraq. Surprisingly, the United States did little to reverse Iran’s ascendance in the region.

http://jordantimes.com/opinion/hassan-barari/jordan-and-arab-nato

And the Christmas trip by President Trump and Melania to Iraq, when he talked to the Generals on the ground. Why was the mop-up of ISIS taking so long? The President had his answer, came home, and fired Mattis, ASAP.

And then……… all those mysterious trips by Jared Kushner to the Middle East.

The blockade of DPRK as an outlet for Iran was masterful. Again, Trump is engaging, whereas Obama, avoided.

Culminating with crippling Sanctions on Iran. …………. and the death of Soleimani.

Bottom line, President Trump is dealing with a mess in the Middle East, leftover from decades of mismanagement. Unfortunately, we cannot ignore the problems. Still, Trump is the furthest thing from a NeoCon Repub, or a war-monger like Hillary, or a “let’s light the Middle East on fire” like Obama.

President Trump is the adult in the room, AND a Strong Man with the biggest gun, an elected President of a Republic, who believes in liberty for the citizenry…. and skillfully manipulates those who oppose him to reveal themselves. He is the perfect person to clean up the mess.

President Trump wants to come to terms with the Taliban in Afghanistan and bring our troops home. Strange that the Taliban blew the cease-fire if their goal was truly to remove Americans.

President Trump wants to leave Syria. He tried and triggered politically motivated, manufactured outrage from the press. We know the backstory, but it is difficult for those voters who don’t follow geopolitics on a daily basis.

President Trump has railed against the blood and treasure lost in the Middle East, as opposed to lost opportunity here at home………… Yet, he knows it would be dangerous to hand the keys for Iraq to Iran and turn over control of the country.

We must be careful, wise, prudent, and the days ahead will be tricky. Expect a $hitload of trash-talk, wild threats, and distractions from all sides. Let’s not take the bait. The following letter, “notice of withdrawal from Iraq” was a total distraction.

Updated at 2:02 pm on January 6, 2020: This letter has been confirmed by Reuters but it is unsigned and makes no sense. Or, is this a head fake? Because the press corps would normally have a heart attack if we withdrew from Iraq? Update at 6:00pm Eastern time: For hours we wondered, but by the evening news, we received formal notice from the Pentagon……… “It was a draft letter, a mistake, never signed”, not released intentionally, a fake. https://in.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-withdrawal-idINKBN1Z520F

No one knows what will happen tomorrow nor the day after. Those pundits who prognosticate of imminent threats of WW3 are shrieking in the wind, misleading and scaring readers for clickbait. It’s almost unholy to prey on people’s fears in such a way, but such is the business of the media.

Objectively, of all Presidents in the past hundred years, Trump is probably the least disposed to bumble into an accidental war. We’re in good hands with President Trump, and no doubt, the Intel Community which supplied him with the details on Soleimani was working overtime on behalf of the USA.

Well done.

In the Middle East, a region where actual Strong Men are admired, and women/children/assets /land are often taken by torture or brute force, a benevolent but fearless man like President Trump has the ideal persona for this moment in time. He has an unpredictable nature, all the character traits, and strategic foresight, who can trash-talk the best of dictators. As my Marine Daddy used to say, “It’s not bragging when you can back it up.” President Trump has street cred.

It’s true, President Trump is the perfect American President at exactly the right time in history, to resolve problems in the Middle East and bring peace, either by negotiation or blunt force.

It’s time to quit toying around the edges and solve the problems.

Who are our enemies?

Just when we think we’ve correctly identified Iran as the enemy, things get a little confusing. Take a look at the Crisis Group, which is like the Atlantic Council on steroids. Members include Alexander Downer, Admiral Mcraven, George and Alex Soros, and a laundry list of those who want to protect the Iran Deal, the Mullahs, and by extension, the Iranian Hedgemon. They even have a location in ….. wait for it……… Kiev, Russia.

Perhaps these are our real enemies? Those who enable people like Soleimani to harm the citizens of Iran and the USA with no equivocation. Take a look at the Board of Directors. https://www.crisisgroup.org/who-we-are/board

If we really wanted to get out of the Middle East, bring our troops home, wouldn’t it be easier without folks like the Crisis Group or Atlantic Council standing in the way? Or the media screaming?

Can’t help but think the Iraqis, Iranians, and Americans all have the same problem = the wrong people in charge and harming the people of their countries. Gosh, I want one of those pastries the Iraqis and Syrians made to thank Trump.

We can all speculate on the best way to “bring our troops home” or resolve conflict in the ME, but we would probably be wrong. We don’t have access to all the info, nor the expertise. We’re going to have to watch, wait, and trust Trump.

This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers.

Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.

If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack where all legal free speech is allowed.

But NOT HERE in The Q Tree. Personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.

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The Storm is upon us.
Please remember to Pray for our President.

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AND WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People. ~ Candidate Donald J. Trump

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Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

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Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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What then should we do? 

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I started writing this Sunday thread thinking that it would be about the Fruit of the Spirit. Then that sort of morphed into the larger picture of how the Holy Spirit is our Helper from God, guiding and teaching us, in more ways than His fruit. And then that changed to what we should be doing to grow into the mature Christian life God wants us to live. And that led into writing down many of the specific things God’s Word tells us to do as Christians . . . members of His family. And that led to the following thoughts:

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When John the Baptizer was baptizing for repentance and the forgiveness of sins, he warned the people to “Bear fruits worthy of repentance.”  And those crowds kept asking him “What then should we do?” (Luke 3)

Paul posed a similar question in his letter to the Roman Christians. “What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! (Romans 6:1-2)  He was referring to how we should act, given that God’s grace has freed us from the Law.

James addressed our actions, also, saying “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”, stressing the importance for our actions to demonstrate our faith.

Almost 800 years earlier than Jesus, God, speaking through the prophet Hosea said “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6), saying that God wants to see real, meaningful action more than observance of ritual.

This leads up to a very pertinent question for today.  Given that we are Believers, how should we act?  “What then should we do?”

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Some people think that God’s got a bunch of rules that He lists in the Bible for us to obey and, if we aren’t careful to follow His rules, He’s not going to be very happy with us and we can expect some kind of retribution.

As Christians, we believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, that His death was the once for all time sacrifice for our sins.  God counts our faith in Christ as righteousness and has forgiven our sins for all time (past, present and future). And there is now no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set us free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Now this got me to thinking . . .

Now that my sins have all been forgiven by God’s grace, and my faith in Christ is counted as righteousness, and there is no judgement for my sin in the future, the question now arises: How should I then live? 

This question is answered by Paul in the book of Romans: “. . . present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .” (Romans 12:1-2) . . . put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh . . . (Romans 13:14)

Well, still thinking here . . .

I’ve been chosen by God, and not because of anything about me or anything I’ve done. God has forgiven my sins and I will not be judged because of them. God has promised me an eternity with Him and Jesus in heaven with a glorious new body, everlasting joy, and unimaginable wonders.

Now, given all that . . . just how grateful should I be? I don’t think it’s possible, if we fully understood what God has done for us and the wonders of heaven, for a human being to express that level of gratitude.

But certainly, I should be grateful enough to search God’s Word for how He wants me to live. And once I find that information on how He wants me to live, to make an absolutely conscious, determined effort, every day of my life, to live in that manner. How could I possibly do less for all that I have gained and will shortly be gaining?

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Briefly then, thinking about Paul’s answer to how I should live in Romans, some real-life questions come to the fore.

Have I searched God’s Word and have I learned how He tells me I should be living my life?

Am I making a conscious, determined effort to live in that manner?

How much time am I spending at things that might interest me but are not part of what should be involved in living and maturing in the Christian life?

If I’m with a secular or mixed group, am I just one of the crowd, or do my words and actions stand as a good Christian example?

Am I following God’s Word in my one-on-one interpersonal relationships, Christian or secular?

And quite a few more . . .

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Now, lest anyone think I’m being sucked into the maelstrom of legalism in a sea of rules and regulations . . . not happening.  God clearly calls us to repentance, righteousness, holiness, and godliness, but because of His mercy and grace, He is abundantly clear that the Christian life is to be filled to overflowing with freedom, hope, peace, joy and love . . . as well as gratitude, thanksgiving, praise and worship.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  (Philipians 4:4-8)

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

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I knew I’d be interested when writing these Sunday threads and, perhaps even more, I wanted the preparation and involvement to speak to me. Well, I think that’s happening.

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The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord look upon you with favor,
And give you peace.

Welcome to the OPEN THREAD!!!!!!!! January shall be known as “Expose the Sham in SHAMUARY!” Let the truth bombs fall. Expose the hypocrisy of the press, malinent of politicos, bureaucracy, and NGOs. OUR President has become the leader of those who are tired of inept leaders/bureaucracies all over the world. It’s up to us to support him. Let the memes fly, ……… and call your Congress Critter.

When you get tired or frustrated, think of the decent people all over the world who look to America to lead. Those in Hong Kong, DPRK, England, Italy, Hungary, Chile, depend on us for inspiration. If President Trump loses in 2020, the globalists win….. and we may never get another Donald Trump.

It’s a battle of good over evil, and the winners will control the world. It’s a culture war, a political war, a war of family versus the state, independence versus dependence and morale crushing oppression. It’s a battle of the will of the people versus a few snots in DC and their never ending quest for control over the population. They’ve spent us into oblivion, mismanaged our country, been responsible for the death of fellow countrymen, and they’ve lied about their complicity.

We’re the Americans. It’s our job to lead.

And today, we’re at peace because the threat has been removed from the battlefield. Soleimani is dead.

We don’t believe in political correctness at QTree. You can say what you want, comment on what other people said, and so on. Free Speech is practiced here. ENJOY IT. Use it or lose it. Important Guidelines are outlined here in the January 1st open thread, with an addendum on 20191110. In other words, please keep it SOMEWHAT civil. We have a new board – actually a new SITE – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation. NOT HERE. This board will remain a REFUGE for those who need civility, either some or all of the time.

SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY TO OUR PRESIDENT!, “I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!“

And remember….. it is time to drain the swamp in DC and LOCALLY. Please make a commitment in the new year to attend a LOCAL board meeting for your town or municipality or school board. Get involved and make your presence known. Put your local officials phone numbers in your cell phone and call them once a week (or more often).

No more silent majority.

“Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People.”

Candidate Donald J Trump

Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

Figure out where your local Congress Critter has an office and drop by. Write a letter or send a postcard. Email and put them on your notifications for Twitter or Facebook. Stay in touch. They need to see you, and hear you.

The “Townhall . com” project is a PROGRESSIVE website where you can type in your zip code and see all town halls within your region. No reason we can’t use the same website, right?

And here is the list of the “Dirty Thirty”, those freshmen Congressmen who promised to be different and support the will of their constituents………. but who voted with Pelosi for impeachment. They won in historically Republican Districts. Call them.

It’s time for a few patriots to make a trip, virtually or in person, to talk to our Congressmen. The old system of $$’s from the US Chamber and Club for Growth are no longer needed if they have the voter’s support.

It’s gonna take COURAGE!

Is there anyone left with COURAGE?

Do YOU have COURAGE?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFalmesXWMY

We have nothing to lose. We’re playing for all the marbles in 2020. Get ready.

President Trump’s famous, “Never Give Up” speech.

We have confirmation from BBC in Iran, WaPost in Beirut, and even Brookings. Two SUVs were on the way to the Airport in Baghdad, and four rockets were fired killing as many as 8 people in the two cars. We’re still sorting out who was in the cars. Many Iranian/Iraqi sources confirming the death of both the Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani and the #PMU Deputy Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes by the attacks on the convoy near #Baghdad airport.

It is now confirmed: the US has killed Qassem Soleimani.

— Ranj Alaaldin (@RanjAlaaldin) January 3, 2020

What it means is a month of ass-wipe “journalists” mourning over the loss of another “austere religious scholar”. To the parents of thousands of dead Americans and every soldier who was deployed to Iraq, it’s long overdue!

We will update as info flows. Please add to the post at will. Thank you for your help.

Update #1: Looks like we got all three of them, traveling together.

https://twitter.com/alexsalvinews/status/1212904582650593280

Food for thought……….

We’re all still reeling from the machete Hanukkah attack in Monsey, NY, and the shooting attack at White Settlement, TX. Fortunately, most of us will never understand why it’s a problem for Americans to worship as they choose. Politicians will argue about who is to blame and “hate groups” for at least one slow news cycle in a selfish attempt to grab press or fundraise. Yet once again, the family reports the perp in New York had a long history of mental illness, was not raised to hate particular groups/skin colors/religions nor was he a member of any hate group……. he was just mentally ill and had been hospitalized before for such cause on several occasions.

Most of us can think of a particular person in our lives for whom we have disdain, but we don’t attack them with machetes or shoot them. We are mentally sound and can reason that violence is not the answer. It’s the mental illness which pushes people over the edge. If we want to solve a problem like the criminally insane, we need to properly identify the problem, the cause of the problem, and possible solutions for safety of the population writ large, but that’s not what is happening today.

Recognizing the problem and associated costs of unchecked mental illness would make sense, be cost effective, safer for society. Why would our elected leaders ever do something so easy and fiscally prudent?

Deflection of the problem of mental illness for personal or political gain only helps politicians. It’s truly detestable to use the death of constituents to further political power. When you watch the news today, see it for what it is, avoiding one problem while furthering the narrative of another “alleged problem”.

The media is worse and far more corrosive to regular Americans. Mental illness is not what the pundits want to talk about, right? It’s not the preferred public pitch. The narrative is a “rise in hate groups”, which justifies paranoia of one color/religion/sexual persuasion of America to fear other groups….. as in…. “those white people should fear machete-wielding black men”, and/or all guns, and whatever happens, it’s the fault of the white person. Funny, I recall Mr. Larry (who happens to be black) and I (the white female) both wielding machetes, cutting down a privet hedge, when we took a break for a cold beer. Would the media prefer Mr. Larry and I not work together, not know each other, not worship together, eat at the same table together, listen to the same music, laugh/dance/sing together…….. or vote similarly? Seems like it……

The media push for a “rise in anti-Semitism” is an easy narrative given what has happened in New York over the last few weeks, but are we leaping to a convenient conclusion about disparate incidents? Punctuated by the drama and severity of the attack in Monsey? Is it possible the media doesn’t care about the real cause of Monsey, other than for how the attack helps the media’s narrative? After all, a rise in white nationalism (even though the perp is black) is a great way to blame President Trump and all those uneducated white Americans who voted for him. Could it be the media jumped on the story in Monsey, as opposed to the story in White Settlement, as a golden opportunity in a further attempt to divide Americans…… because it is good for business?

And then, something strange happened. From out of left field, I saw a kernel of hope in the midst of the melee of media distraction…….

In the never ending quest to find common ground with the left, we might have a sign from above. Follow me for a second, it might work…… maybe….. It’s a stretch, I concede, but it might be an opening.

Last summer, Pete Buteigeg pitched the idea that the Chinese prison camps are horrible, and “the Trump Admin stays silent”. Back in July of 2019, Pete called for sanctions against China. No kidding. What kind of sanctions, Pete? Given the entangled economies of the USA and China, what kind of fallout could we expect for immediate sanctions if we follow your idea, Pete? Gee whiz, we remember the NY and DC press with dire warnings of economic collapse when President Trump announced a few tariffs on China. Outright sanctions would cause a meltdown on Wall Street, but it might be okay……. cuz Pete is a Dem, right?
BUT Pete said this in July of 2019…… watch what happened.

China is oppressing millions of Muslim Uighurs and eroding freedoms in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, this White House is reportedly willing to stay silent and withhold sanctions in exchange for trade concessions. America's commitment to dignity and religious freedom must not be for sale.

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 12, 2019

Strangely, just yesterday, Judd Apatow retweeted the Butteieg tweet (from July) about the Uighurs and added this separate tweet……

https://twitter.com/JuddApatow/status/1211083803004825600

So, we have a prominent Jewish guy, in Hollywood, calling for us to pay attention, shun China, for their treatment of the Uighurs…… and why aren’t we talking about it more?

Apatow is right!
This is good.
Remember, we all said, “Never Again” after the Holocaust.
Why does China get a pass? As long as the media is deflecting from mental illness, why not USE THE DEFLECTION of the media? In this way, ALL Americans have a common enemy in China’s CCP……. instead of fighting with each other.
China’s problems with fentanyl, IP theft, truly horrific environmental policy, currency manipulation, military buildup, treatment of Hong Kongers, and double dealing in the third world only adds further fuel to the fire.

When the media deflects from the real cause of mental illness for homegrown attacks, the discussion is dead for the moment, saved for another day. Yet, we need to be able to leapfrog the media, and use their momentum to accomplish another goal.
Is it possible the left is coming around to be AGAINST China?
We all know how strongly Hollywood is influenced by China….. interesting to speculate where the ramifications of such an action could lead.

Let’s keep in mind, Judd Apatow is a Hollywood type (he did The Hangover movies) with millions of followers on his Twit feed.
He’s a hard leftist who can be offensive and irrational at times. Okay fine, we can all be irrational at times. Let’s not pick that fight right now.
For instance, Apatow thinks that because Mick Mulvaney stepped out of the Oval Office when Giuliani was there, to preserve President’s confidence with personal lawyer, that means the President and Giuliani were conducting illegal Ukraine policy.
SMH.
Can we presume the left thinks the President is not allowed to defend himself in a public forum, not allowed to appeal an illegitimate subpoena for clearly granted Exec Privilege, and NOW not allowed to have an attorney either?
Anyway….

Nonetheless, Apatow’s salvo against the CCP is a glimpse, a crack in the wall so to speak. If Apatow is an average Hollywood leftist, and he cares about this issue, then others may as well. It’s a chance for some modicum of unity.

This MIGHT be a place where we can all agree, on the Uighurs, to unite against China and further erode the CCP public image. Good heavens, the NYTimes claims the CCP has “separated over a half million children from their parents”. It might be a chance to use the press to accomplish a worthwhile goal, to OUT the Chinese Communist Party policy.
It might work.

The goal of those who seek to harm America is to control the greater levers of power in the USA. They use division of Americans by class/color/sex/politics, which makes it easier. Well, if that’s their goal, can we use this issue to bring us together and turn this missive back toward our collective enemy?

After all……..
When we said, “Never Again”, did we mean it?
Or, is it okay for China to keep a million people in prison camps merely because we like cheap Nike t-shirts?
Or, is it okay to imprison a million people for their faith just because they are Muslims? As opposed to Jews and Christians?

No, it’s never okay to keep a million people in prison just because of their faith. What does “Freedom of Religion” really mean to us in 2019?

Our forefathers risked their lives for the idea.

How strange…….. and natural…… would it be for Jews and Christians, left and right, to unite as Americans in defense of Muslims against an oppressive Communist regime?

Imagine the irony, and the shocked faces, when we turned the table on our common enemy.

This Superlative Sanctuary Count Your Blessings Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers.

Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.

If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack where all legal free speech is allowed.

But NOT HERE in The Q Tree. Personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.

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The Storm is upon us.
Please remember to Pray for our President.

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AND WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People. ~ Candidate Donald J. Trump

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Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

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Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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Count Your Blessings Sunday

Well, it’s just a few days before New Years Day and I suppose many people are occupied with making their New Year’s resolution lists, figuring out which of the New Year’s festivities they’ll attend or planning their own celebration, big or small.

It’s the end of a year, just after the joyous Christmas season. I think it’s a really good time to settle back, review the past year and take a good count of the many blessings we have as believers in Christ and in His finished work at Calvary.

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

    ~  Johnson Oatman, Jr., pub.1897

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Believe and be blessed –

But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2.9)

God gives many blessings to “whosoever believeth” in Jesus because he loves us.

For those who put their trust in Christ, God has provided many remarkable (perfect, actually) blessings. We are rich beyond our wildest dreams. Some of these blessings are:

When we believe, God counts our faith in Christ as righteousness.

“For our sake He [God] made Him [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him [Christ]we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21) “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Rom 3:22)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Rom 5:1)

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2.13-14)

When we believe, the penalty for our sins is paid by Christ’s death on the cross.

. . . who gave Himself for us, that He might purchase our freedom from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

. . . knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

When we believe, Christ’s sacrifice makes believers spiritually alive.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, (Ephesians 2:1)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Ephesians 2:4-5).

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, (Colossians 2.13).

When we believe, we are adopted as God’s children.

But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:4-7)

He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (John 1:11-12).

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Fo;26r all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galations 3:26)

When we believe, as a child of God, we are His heirs.

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:6-7)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1 Peter 1:3-5)

When we believe, our sin nature is reconciled with God’s holiness.

Now all this is from God, who has restored our relationship to Himself through Jesus Christ . . (2 Corinthians 5:18)

For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him [Christ], and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say,whether things on earth or things in heaven (Colossians 1:19-20)

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

When we believe, God forgives our sins.

All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” (Acts 10:43)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, (Ephesians 1:7)

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14).

When we believe, we have eternal life with God and Jesus forever . . . unending.

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:14-16)

And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:11-13)

When we believe, God’s Holy Spirit comes to live within us.

Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ (Galatians 4:6)

As the Holy Spirit lives in the believer, He brings about some life-changing results:

The Holy Spirit acts on a soul dead in sin and creates new life (Titus 3:5). This is the new birth Jesus spoke of. (John 3:1-8)

The Holy Spirit confirms to the believer that he belongs to the Lord and is an heir of God and fellow-heir with Christ (Romans 8:15-17).

The Holy Spirit makes the new believer a member of Christ’s universal church. This is the baptism of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to the believer to strengthen the church and serve the Lord for His glory (1 Corinthians 12:11).

The Holy Spirit helps the believer understand and apply the Scripture to his daily life (1 Corinthians 2:12).

The Holy Spirit enriches the believer’s prayer life and intercedes for him in prayer (Romans 8:26-27).

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to live for Christ and to do His will (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit leads the believer in paths of righteousness (Romans 8:14).

The Holy Spirit gives evidence of new life by producing the fruit of the Spirit in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Holy Spirit is grieved when the believer sins (Ephesians 4:30), and He convicts the believer to confess his sin to the Lord so that fellowship is restored (1 John 1:9).

The Holy Spirit seals the believer unto the day of redemption so that the believer’s arrival in the Lord’s presence is guaranteed after this life (Ephesians 1:13-14).

When we believe, after we die, we will be resurrected in incorruptible, immortal spiritual bodies.

And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. (1 Corinthians 6:14) So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

 Truly, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. All that we have needed and will need, from birth to eternity, has been provided for by God through the work of the Son. Thanks be to God!

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Thank God for Blessings

We look at our country these days and see
All the bad things that happen to be:
Lies, corruption, thievery and fraud,
But we’ve seen the Light and so we thank God.

Thank God that we have enough to eat,
That we don’t have to live on the street,
That we have water, are secure and warm,
In wind and rain, we’re safe from the storm.

Thank God we choose work, there’s no slavery,
And for all of our friends and family
That after work we can rest and play,
And feel some contentment after our day.

We tend to lose sight that we’re truly blessed,
Living in comfort, not poor and oppressed,
While life’s twists happen and we feel deprived,
Others on earth fight daily to survive.

No food, dirty water, oppressive heat,
Sickness, disease, and filthy, dusty streets,
Babies and kids, bloated stomachs and flies,
Grotesque skeletons, no hope in their eyes.

Living inside wearing old gloves and coats,
Bone-chilling cold, all alone and remote.
Old and sickly, no medicine anywhere,
Dying alone with nobody to care.

There are ways to help the poor, to be sure,
Though it’s unlikely that there’ll be a cure.
We should all help in many different ways,
‘Cause the poor will be with us all our days.

From these situations, we all can learn
To look at our problems with less concern,
And truly thank God for all our wealth,
Our work, our families, and our good health.

For God’s our Provider, blessings from Him.
He’s met all our needs and freed us from sin.
He’s given us all, including His Son.
Praise God forever!  May His will be done!

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Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20,21)

Note: I posted a shorter version of this as a comment over at Marica’s. Their topic for today is “When You Wish Upon A Star” and I thought I’d say something about Betelgeuse. Then I found myself wanting to talk about Rigel, too…so it just growed and growed.

There’s nothing political here. If you want a break from politics, read on. If you don’t, by all means save yourself the time.

Many stars have names. Here are a couple, both in Orion. Orion rises in the east shortly after sunset this time of year.

Betelgeuse is the bright orange star at the upper left of the big quadrilateral of Orion; it’s considered Orion’s shoulder. Rigel is the bright one at the lower right, generally considered to be Orion’s “foot.”

https://stephenwhitt.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/orion-constellation.jpg?w=1100

Rigel.

That’s the bright star at the lower right in Orion (if you’re in Australia, the upper left). That is one very, very bright star!! It doesn’t LOOK as bright as Sirius (the very bright star to the east and a bit south of Orion), but Sirius is about 8 light years away, and Rigel is 860 light years away…a hundred times as far. Yet it isn’t that much dimmer than Sirius. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, and Rigel is #7.

Rigel is 120,000 times as bright as the sun, intrinsically. If the earth were orbiting Rigel…well, it wouldn’t be. It would be getting 120,000 times as much energy and would be melted, then boiled away. (Imagine if the sun in our sky gave off over 100,000 times as much heat as it does!) The earth would have to be 364 times further away, which is to say 364 Astronomical Units (AUs), to get down to the same amount of EM radiation.

That’s ten times the distance to Pluto, to get the SAME amount of energy the Earth does.

Rigel is bluish in color, like most of the visible stars in the sky. That is because its surface temperature is some 12,100 degrees Kelvin, which is over 21,000 F.

(Have you ever seen anything that hot here on Earth? No. So you might be surprised to find that when things get that hot, they glow bluish. As things get hotter, they go from invisible (but you can feel the heat), to dull red, to orange (embers), to yellow (a tungsten bulb), to white (the sun)…to blue. Each with more and more heat, and towards the end, with more and more ultraviolet) In fact the only place to see things that are blue hot is in the night sky. (No the flames on your gas stove aren’t that hot–they are blue for a very different reason.)

Something that is blue hot is giving off more ultraviolet than visible light. So that 120,000 times brighter than the sun light from Rigel, is mostly ultraviolet. Our hypothetical planet at 364 AUs distance is getting most of its sunlight as UV. Proportionately less of it is coming as visible light. If you were outside on a clear day there, there’d be the feel of an overcast day, but you’d be getting sunburned in a hurry. And the “sun” would be this tiny point of painfully bright blue light.

A couple more things to say about Rigel: It is 21 times as massive as the sun, and maybe 80 times as wide.

Betelgeuse

Our other star is Betelgeuse. (“Beetle Juice,” if you must.)

Orion’s upper left shoulder should look a bit redder than the other stars (which will look bluish white). That is Betelgeuse.

Betelgeuse is a “red giant.” It is about 700 light years away (not quite as far as Rigel), and is anywhere between 90,000 and 150,000 times as bright as the Sun, intrinsically (it actually varies in brightness).

It’s redder because the surface is a lot cooler than our Sun, 3590K, not that far off from an incandescent light bulb. Yes, it’s at a different part of the red/orange/white/blue-hot continuum.

It’s 11 times as massive as the sun, but it is anywhere between 700 and 1000 times as wide as the sun! If the earth were orbiting Betelgeuse it would be INSIDE the star. A bit toasty!

Betelgeuse is so big that, as far away as it is, we were actually able to measure its diameter from here on earth in 1920! Most stars look like points in even a powerful telescope, but not Betelgeuse.

Earth would be comfortable at a similar distance from Betelgeuse, about 350 AUs, but because the star drastically varies in brightness, much more so than our sun, climate change would be far, far worse.

They’re Not Much Alike

Now, it turns out a star is actually a very simple thing. It’s a lot of gas, trying to contract under its own gravity. The main difference between stars should be in how massive they are.

Rigel and Betelgeuse are of similar masses (closer to each other, proportionately, than either is to the sun), yet Rigel, the bigger of the two, seems more like the sun than Betelgeuse. Hotter and bigger, but not swollen to a ridiculous size. In fact, astronomers place stars like Rigel and the Sun in a category called the “Main Sequence,” a progression from small, red stars up to giant blue ones. Some Main Sequence stars are the exact mass of Betelgeuse, and they’re not red and swollen.

Betelgeuse is not on the Main Sequence. It’s a different sort of animal.

What gives? Why are they so different?

To start finding out the answer, let’s look at their masses once again.

Did you notice how these stars are thousands of times brighter…but only ten or twenty times as massive?

Doesn’t that mean the star will burn itself out that much sooner? If Rigel has got twenty times the gas, but it’s 120,000 times as bright as the Sun, that means it’s burning through its fuel supply 120,000 times as fast, and it should last only 1/6,000th the time. (To be sure a star only burns what’s at its center, not the surface layers, so that’s not quite the right comparison to make.)

The sun is expected to last 10,000 million years (and we’re 4500 million years into that). Rigel’s lifespan, total, can’t be much more than 10 million years; it’s estimated to already be 8 million years old.

Rigel lives boldly, but very, very briefly, a cosmic butterfly.

Betelgeuse is of comparable brightness to Rigel, but half the mass. It’s ripping through its available fuel even faster, proportionately speaking. And yet its big and cool on its surface. It makes sense to be big, if it’s cool, or cool, if it’s big. It has a MUCH higher surface area than Rigel, so each square meter of it has to radiate a lot less, for the total output to be the same. And the way to do that is to be cooler.

But that doesn’t explain why it’s so different from Rigel, and our Sun, as to not be on the Main Sequence.

There’s more to the story. Lots more.

The Life Of A Star–Youth

As I said earlier, a star is a simple thing, really. It’s a big ball of gas that wants to contract under its own gravity. As it does so, it heats up, just like compressing the gas in a bicycle pump makes it get hotter. Heating it up increases the pressure, the pressure resists the tendency to contract. Eventually a balance is reached.

But that heat eventually radiates off, the pressure drops, and the star contracts. What one would see is stars glowing as they contract, shrinking as fast as the bleed-off of heat (and pressure) lets it.

Unless the star can find another source of energy, something that it can internally generate, to stave off the collapse.

And it does.

Any ball of gas sufficiently large (considerably larger than Jupiter) will eventually reach a point where the core is at a temperature of millions of degrees, and then the hydrogen starts fusing into helium. Four hydrogen atoms go through a series of reactions (exactly which series of reactions depends on the temperature, which depends on the mass of the star), to ultimately make one atom of helium. In the process, 0.7 percent of the mass of the hydrogen disappears–it becomes energy. It works out to 26.73 million electron volts of energy. (An MeV is a tiny amount of energy to us, but this is from four atoms of hydrogen, and there are about 600,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 atoms of hydrogen in one gram of the stuff…so, really, it’s quite a bit of energy!)

In fact, I’m going to point out that twelve atoms of hydrogen, fusing to three atoms of helium, works out to almost exactly 80 MeVs of energy. That will be important, later on.

So nuclear fusion gives off energy, lots of it. That energy heats the star up, and the contraction stops. The star finds a balance, and the star will stay pretty much the same size as long as it has hydrogen in its core to fuse to helium. (It actually gets a bit hotter as time goes on, but this is a very slow process.) Once it runs out of hydrogen, well, life will get interesting again.

The sun is at just the right temperature and pressure, inside, that it’s going to take ten billion years to burn all of its fuel (even though it’s burning 650 million tons of it a second), but that’s the right rate to keep it from either expanding too much and cooling off (which would allow it to contract again, heating it up), or contracting too much and heating up, which would cause it to expand again and cool off. It’s in balance, and it will stay in balance for another 5.5 billion years, when it runs out of hydrogen.

Back to Rigel.

Rigel, like the sun, is burning hydrogen, to make helium. It’s doing so at a rate far faster than our sun; it has to to maintain the very high temperature to keep twenty times the mass of the sun from continuing to collapse. You see, the bigger the star, the hotter it has to get to keep from collapsing, but the hotter it gets, the faster the heat radiates away, and that means, the faster it burns through its fuel. And the shorter it will live.

So a star like Rigel is heavy, very hot, and blowing through its fuel FAST.

So now we understand why big stars are so much hotter and brighter.

But that just makes Betelgeuse more puzzling. It’s half as massive as Rigel, but it’s about as bright (it shouldn’t be), and it’s much cooler than our sun (again, it shouldn’t be). The fact that it is so swollen, comparatively, means it should be much, much hotter at the very center, but wouldn’t that just make it even brighter?

What makes it so large, yet cooler than the sun at the surface?

The Life of A Star–Middle and Old Age

Well, it turns out, Betelgeuse is a star that has already run out of hydrogen!

As I said, when a star runs out of hydrogen, life gets interesting. A very small star, lighter and smaller than our sun, basically is done at this point. It will just contract until the atoms are touching each other, cooling off over billions of years. But this doesn’t happen until it’s tens of billions of years old. In fact, it would have to be older than the universe for this to have happened to it before now, so there shouldn’t be any of these out there.

A star our sun’s size, or larger, will shrink too, when it runs out of hydrogen, but the core will get hotter and hotter. Again, this will only be temporary heat up, unless another source of energy is found.

That source does exist. If the star is massive enough (and the sun is, therefore so are Rigel and Betelgeuse), eventually the core gets much hotter than it was before, with higher pressure, and helium fuses to become carbon. It takes three helium nuclei to make a carbon nucleus, which means it took twelve of the original hydrogen atoms to make the one carbon nucleus.

But this is actually desperation.

Turning three helium nuclei into one carbon nucleus only releases 7.25 MeVs of energy. In other words, less than a tenth that the star got making the helium in the first place (80 MeV). Reburning the ash, releases less energy. So to put out the same energy every second as it did before, it has to go through its fuel over ten times faster, by weight.

Yet the star must sustain a HIGHER core temperature than it was doing before. So going through the helium ash ten times faster than it went through the hydrogen…isn’t enough!!

So the star gets hotter, and hotter. The good news is all this heat will cause hydrogen *outside* the core to fuse too, which means the star gets a bit of a “boost.”

But that higher core temperature causes the star’s upper layers to expand more–that’s what makes it big–and the much larger sphere has to radiate less energy per given area–which is what makes it cool.

Because the helium-to-carbon fusion is so much less productive, and the star needs more energy, it can only stay in the helium burning phase for a very short time.

Our sun will have a helium burning phase. It will turn into a red giant, like Betelgeuse, but much smaller. We’re not sure whether it will swallow the earth, but even if not, life will be toast here. But that’s five billion years from now, so you still have to do your taxes next year.

Once the helium starts to run low…the star, if it’s massive enough, moves on. (The sun is not massive enough. Helium-to-carbon will be the end of the road for it.)

The star contracts, heats up, and starts fusing helium + carbon to make oxygen, helium plus oxygen to make neon, neon plus helium to make magnesium, or maybe even go directly: carbon plus carbon to make silicon. Each of these reactions requires more heat, and produces less energy per unit mass than the one before it.

So these phases are each shorter than the one before it. But the core being hot enough to (say) make oxygen makes the layer right outside the core hot enough to make carbon, and the layer outside of that is making helium. The star starts to resemble an onion with all these layers, with the one in the center going at a furious rate, desperately trying to get more and more energy out of a less and less energetic reaction, since it is ultimately holding the star up from collapse.

http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/bmendez/ay10/2000/cycle/massive.gif

The Death of a Massive Star.

Eventually the star has a core of iron. This core–much, much bigger than the earth and made entirely iron–probably is built in one day; that’s how fast the star must rip through its fuel to produce the iron, and not collapse.

We’re well into the region of diminishing returns. But now we move into the realm of negative returns. Moving beyond iron actually consumes energy.

The star is done. It collapses. The heat of collapse actually does cause further reactions, but they just suck more energy out of the system, making the collapse even faster. But make no mistake–the star’s core is getting hotter and hotter, and more and more reactions are happening in it. Elements much heavier than iron are made, instantly. Huge amounts of neutrinos are generated–in fact they carry off most of the energy.

But what’s left over is still titanic. The star explodes. The mass of the outer layers is consumed instantly, and now, for just a few weeks or so, the star outshines a billion or more normal stars. It can be brighter than everything else in its galaxy.

This is a supernova.

And what it leaves behind is a neutron star, or maybe even a black hole. Not ordinary matter at all. It’s done generating energy, it’s done being a star as we know it.

R. I. P.

https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/Images/science/crab_large.gif

Death Watch for Betelgeuse

Remember when I said Betelgeuse was out of hydrogen in its core?

We know it’s done with hydrogen in its core, but don’t know exactly what it’s doing right now, for certain. Many of those higher reactions could be taking place simultaneously in different layers deep inside the star, but we have no real way of knowing. How many layers of different fusion are inside Betelgeuse?

If, today, it is working on making iron–tomorrow, it goes KABOOM. You will be able to see it in the day time, from eight hundred light years away. At night time, well, many nocturnal creatures will have their routines disrupted–it will probably be brighter than the Moon. Perhaps for their sake, we should hope it goes kablooey! during northern hemisphere summer time when Betelgeuse is not in the night sky.

It will happen. We don’t know when, but sometime in the next hundred thousand years or so, Betelgeuse will light its own funeral pyre. It could be tonight. It could be ten thousand years from now. And once the supernova cools off–which will take a few years–Orion will lose his shoulder.

And Rigel isn’t all that far behind, in cosmic terms. Give it a few million years; it will run out of hydrogen, swell into a red giant bigger than Betelgeuse, and begin to die.

Whoever is watching at that time, will hopefully be consoled by the thought that all that stuff flung out into space is what will eventually make new stars, new planets, and, maybe, life.

For after all, that’s how we came to be. Everything in your body, except the hydrogen, was brewed in a star that blew itself to bits, billions of years ago. So too with every rock on earth, and all the oxygen in the air, and the oxygen in the water. All from stars that died, billions of years ago.

With Wolfie’s permission, and in preparation for the election season of 2020, I present to you the first annual MEME WAR THREAD.

Post what you have, no bag limit, awards for best MEMES in class (cookies/apple pie/prime rib/aged bourbon/bacon).

This way others can copy and share.

Special divisions/ideas to get you started:

• Nancy Pelosi
• Shifty Schiff
• Nadler
• Any member of “The Squad”
• The media
• Ben Garrison and Al Branco have their own class – we love them one in a million
• QAnon
• Snowflakes and communists
• Foreign leaders
• Putin has his own class
• Xi has his own class
• Subject/issue memes are great as well: Among them are immigration, schools, 2nd Amendment, healthcare, energy independence etc.
• AND our Economy
• Please add more as needed……… the sky is the limit for great memes.

HAVE FUN and post away!!!!!!!!!! DROP YOUR MOABs HERE!!!!!!!!!!