“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert.” –J. Robert Oppenheimer
Unlike the full House Judiciary Committee three ring circus yesterday, finding ANY information about today’s hearing featuring that committee’s sub-committee (how many committees do these people run?) on Anti-Trust took some digging.
Essentially, at noon eastern, the heads of Twitter, Amazon, Google and Facebook will be questioned by a subset of the full Judiciary Committee. This little pow wow will be happening via video conference due to COVID hysteria, so, unlike the outrageous treatment of Attorney General William Barr, there will be no glaring lights on the witnesses, and humanitarian breaks at the witnesses’ leisure since they will be in the comfort of their own surroundings.
Oh, yeah, that’s fair.
So, who is involved in today’s Q&A where the person being examined presumably will be able to spew their propaganda at will?
Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook)
Sundar Pichai (Google)
Tim Cook (Apple)
Jeff Bezos (Amazon)
The subcommittee welcomes Bezos for the first time, who also owns the Washington Post.
The topic today is are these online entities too big. Not the censorship issue that is sure to come up since there’s been so much of it in the last week, but should these platforms be broken up since they have so much power.
As if those four men are going to be forthcoming about that.
NEW EDIT: It’s on for today, just delayed. Welcome to the discussion.
As Mr. Nadler reportedly was in a car accident this morning, the hearing has been postponed. When it actually happens, I’ll revive the thread.
Are we ready for this? Are we ready for Attorney General William Barr to sit before the man who calls Antifa a hoax to answer questions on…well, whatever petty little insult Jerry Nadler, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who has been in the House of Representatives for entirely too long can come up with. in relation to Russiagate. I mean this is the man who has some serious issues with reality.
Deh Nile ain’t just a river in Egypt, folks.
Okay, so I may or may not be around to moderate this morning as I hear my sister has plans for me outside of the house, so here’s the live thread for all note taking, Tweets, video clips, and high and low lights of the main event. I will find a live thread or two before heading out.
I put this in the comments, but it should be here as well. This is the PDF of Honey Badger’s opening statement:
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . . I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
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. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. 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.
Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.
The Storm is upon us. Please remember to Pray for our President.
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
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
And,
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
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.”
Despite Your Circumstances
July 24, 2020 by Pastor Chuck Swindoll:
Acts 16:16-40 Paul and Silas in Prison
16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
19 When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”
22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.
35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”
37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”
38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
Philippians 1:12 Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
Philippians 4:11-13 Content in Any Situation
11 . . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Few people in the first century had a deeper understanding of God’s grace than the apostle Paul. Redeemed from a life of vicious brutality as a rigid legalistic Pharisee, the man turned the corner, repented, and through Christ’s empowering became a gentle soul, gracious and affirming. Understanding. Forgiving. Approachable. He reached the place where he was willing not only to offer hope to the Gentiles, but to live among them, though he himself would bleed pure Jewish blood.
No one that I know endured the level of hardship Paul did as a good soldier of Christ. What makes him all-the-more amazing is this: Never once does he leave a hint of complaint over being chained to a burly Roman soldier or about the inconvenience of being confined to such cramped quarters. The man simply would not grumble. By God’s grace, he lived above it all. I repeat, he had learned the secret of contentment.
The great temptation is to allow that to embitter you—to turn you into someone who lives under a dark cloud, where doom and gloom characterize your outlook. Life’s hard. You live in a situation that resembles a house arrest. You feel chained to your past, unable to escape the restrictive circumstances. Maybe you’ve lived this way so long that negative thinking has become a habit. You can’t imagine thinking any other way.
I’ve got wonderful news: There is hope beyond your circumstances. You can live above them. If a man named Paul could live above his unbelievably trying circumstances, so can you. But Christ must become your central focus. He, alone, can empower you and teach you to live above the duress of adversity. Your external circumstances may not change, but deep within, you will. As Christ is allowed first place in your thoughts, changes will occur. Those changes will be evident to your mate, your children, your friends, and your coworkers. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim, you will begin to realize a strength that is not your own. The result? You will make a difference because of the way you respond to the circumstances that once defeated you. To the people closest to you, your contentment despite your circumstances will be nothing short of heroic.
Cling to hope! Focus on Christ, despite your circumstances.
I imagine that our anti-vaccine folks are starting to feel as confused as a chameleon in a bag of Skittles, just as the Left (which would be opposed to oxygen if Trump were to explicitly endorse it) is. Because PDJT is obviously pushing hard for a vaccine. And similarly for the very anti-mask amongst us, as Trump appears to have endorsed face masks as well, at least in certain contexts.
I think it’s all part of the effort to ensure we are able to physically (and safely) go to the polls in November, an effort to force the Left to concede that it’s safe to do so–after all, the Left claims masks work and the Left loves vaccines uncritically.
It does matter, greatly, what sort of vaccine it is too, as Wolfm00n pointed out yesterday. The Gates vaccine? No fricking way, and I am by no means anti-vaccine as a general rule. But those who approve of any vaccine, qua vaccine, will be forced to accept the Trump-approved vaccine or admit that sometimes a vaccine is a bad idea. Unless they truly can engage in Orwellian doublethink: the ability to simultaneously accept two obviously contradictory ideas as true.
Orwell was very good, not just at pointing out the value to a dictatorship of having a monopoly on the media and the historic record, but also the sorts of thought processes such a dictatorship would want its mid-level people to have. Doublethink is essential for the low-level people to remain loyal to the movement, otherwise they could be redpilled if the media monopoly cracks.
Reminder of the Most Important Thing about the MAGA Movement
Yes, I am going to harp on this, because it is the most important thing President Donald J. Trump has to do, and he hasn’t really gotten started on it yet.
Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People...Our campaign represents a true existential threat, like they’ve never seen before.
Then-Candidate Donald J. Trump
Lawyer Appeasement Section
OK now for the fine print.
This is the WQTH Daily Thread. You know the drill. There’s no Poltical correctness, but civility is a requirement. There are Important Guidelines, here, with an addendum on 20191110.
We have a new board – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation.
And remember Wheatie’s Rules:
1. No food fights 2. No running with scissors. 3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone. 4. The gun is always loaded. 4a. If you actually want the gun to be loaded, like because you’re checking out a bump in the night, then it’s empty. 5. Never point the gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy. 6. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. 7. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
(Hmm a few extras seem to have crept in.)
Mandatory Coin
Now it wouldn’t be one of my posts without a coin, would it?
In honor of the fact that gold has been skyrocketing…well, let me point out that silver has been skyrocketing even more. It was in the eighteen dollar range while gold was in the upper $1700s, and now it is in the twenty two dollar range now that gold has just poked over $1900. In other words, silver is climbing relative to gold, and gold is climbing against the dollar.
The Krugerrand, which was a thing before bullion coins were fashionable. For some reason, Krugerrands tend to look browner, even a dull bronze color, than most gold coins, which tend to be an orangish-yellow.
There was a time, not too long ago, that if you wanted gold in a coin form, and didn’t want to pay extra for collector value, the South African Krugerrand was it. Actually, it wasn’t all that long before that, when it was illegal for US citizens to hold gold bullion at all. Exceptions were made for coins with collector value, because their primary value wasn’t the gold in them.
(Much of our then-common gold went overseas to Europe after FDR tried to confiscate it, and has been gradually repatriating to the US market ever since it became legal again in the 1970s.)
Once gold became re-legalized here, bars and Krugerrands were the main options; then other countries got into the act, including Canada, Austrilia, the then-Soviet Union, Red China, and of course the USA. At this point, apparently, the USA is the market leader! (My avatar is a picture of the reverse of the US series.)
The US coinage actually has favorable tax treatment (unless something changed in the Trump tax cuts). Coins and coin collections are always taxed at the sort term capital gains rate of 28% even if you’ve held onto them for more than two years…except for the US silver, gold, platinum and palladium eagles, which drop to the long term rate after two years.
Should one run off and buy gold, since it’s going up so quickly? Not so fast. It’s going up too quickly. This shows the signs of being a speculative spike or bubble, and therefore, only if you have nerves of steel and are willing and able to cut out just when it seems as if you should stay in, can you go in and hope to get out before it collapses. For the rest of us mortals (including me), it’s too likely you’ll be burned. More likely it’s a good time to sell.
But people who bought gold twenty or so years ago when it was under $300 an ounce are sitting pretty.
Disclaimer: Neither this, nor any other coin I post, is mine. With older coins, I’m going to find the best pic of one on the internet, so even if I happen to have one, it’s not the nicest one on earth…and some coins are worth more than my net worth so I certainly won’t have those! As far as Krugerrands go, I’d rather own the US gold eagles, if nothing else because of the favorable tax treatment, and besides the brown color of the Krugerrand is ugly.
Important Reminder
Just one more thing, my standard Public Service Announcement. We don’t want to forget this!!!
Remember Hong Kong!!!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=L3tnH4FGbd0%3F
I hope this guy isn’t rotting in the laogai somewhere!
中国是个混蛋 !!! Zhōngguò shì gè hùndàn !!! China is asshoe !!!
The thought for this week’s Midweek Musings is abundantly simple –
PRAISE THE LORD!
Let God’s Word speak for itself.
Psalm 148 – Praise to the Lord from Creation
1 Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord!)
Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! 2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! 3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! 4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. 6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; 8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; 9 Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; 10 Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl; 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; 12 Both young men and maidens; Old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. 14 And He has exalted the strength of His people, The praise of all His saints— Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him.
Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord!)
Psalm 100 – A Song of Praise for the Lord’s Faithfulness to His People
1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 111 – Praise to God for His Faithfulness and Justice
1 Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord!)
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3 His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. 6 He has declared to His people the power of His works, In giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure. 8 They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. 9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
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. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. 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.
Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.
The Storm is upon us. Please remember to Pray for our President.
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
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
And,
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
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.”
Self-Esteem
I’m having a bad day . . . after the bad week I just had . . . just like the month before. Nobody appreciates all the hard work I’m doing. No approval, no commendations, nothing. I’m getting nowhere. I just can’t do this any more. My self-esteem has tanked.
Well, instead of eating worms, I think I’ll just wallow in my personal mud pit of self-pity for a while.
But, how am I going to get out of this rut? I need some encouragement. I need others to tell me that I’ve got a whole ton of self-worth that I’m not seeing right now . . . that I’ve got amazing value as the human being that I am. I need to be able to think more highly of myself!
That’s just what I need! Or is it?
The world says it’s all about ME. The big I. How do I feel? Do I feel fulfilled? How does that affect ME? Am I offended? Is my ego or self-esteem damaged? What can be done to rectify this horrible wrong? My friends and coworkers must put a healing salve on these terrible wounds!
But what does God say?
God spoke to Moses from the burning bush “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. ” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
So, did God say “Moses, you are a trained and educated prince of Egypt. You grew up with the Pharoah, the Queen, and the princes and princesses of the royal family. You’ve dealt successfully with viziers, scribes, nomarchs and priests. In forty years you’ve learned how to do everything I want you to do. You’ve got the goods, Moses! You’ve got this!”
Ummm, no. “And God said, “I will be with you””
God didn’t give Moses a pep talk, stroke his ego, and massage his self-esteem to build up Moses’ inner strength and confidence. Very simply, God told Moses he didn’t have to look to himself but to look to God as He will be with him.
The Lord turned to him [Gideon] and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.
So, did God say “Gideon, you’re from a military family. You, your father and brothers have been our best defenders for years. You’ve trained since you were ten years old. You’re one of the best left-handed sling warriors, you use your bow well and are even better with your short sword. You’ve commanded fighting groups for over 25 years now. Gideon, you’re an experienced warrior. You’re just the guy I need to lead,”
Nope. The Lord answered, “I will be with you, . . .”
God’s response was very similar to the response He gave Moses. “Gideon, look to Me. I’m all you need.”
The third example is David. Now David didn’t need a pep talk or his self-esteem built up by anyone. David had already seen God’s hand in his life . . . “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
. . . and David looked to God in this situation: “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
David looked to God and “Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.”
Frankly, instead of trying to build up our image of our own self-worth, we should remember what we are inside . . . our human inside – we are all fallen, wretched sinners, desperately in need of God’s grace and mercy every hour of every day (Romans 3:23). We are completely incapable of doing anything good whatsoever (Romans 3:10-12), apart from the enabling of His Holy Spirit.
Instead of elevating ourselves, we should be recognizing and honoring the only one to whom glory and praise is due. Honor Him, not ourselves. Rest secure in His love, in His grace, in His mercy, in His presence, in His power, in His ability, in His promises . . . not in the need for approval and encouragement from a hostile and fallen world. Christ is the answer to all self-worth issues that may arise in our lives.
So, here I am. I’m walking, sometimes crawling, down a path that’s muddy, filled with potholes and strewn with rocks. I really don’t know how I’m going to make it through that mess and I’m losing confidence that I can. Now, what am I to do?
Well, like Moses, Gideon and David, I should turn to God. He’s always at my side and ready to help if only I’d recognize Him and ask.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Psalm 34:3-7 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
So, then, God will dry up the mud, fill the potholes and push all those rocks over to the side? Well, maybe and maybe not. God may have something very specific planned for me on this particular difficult path . . . or He may have another totally different path in mind. Either way, He wants me to recognize Him in all that I do, and in all that I’m confronted with.
This world teaches us to focus on self and that’s a problem, because we weren’t created for what this world has to offer, including the world’s advice. As Christians we shouldn’t love the world or the things that are in the world.
Then why are we here?
Well, we’ve got two big goals to focus on during our time on earth . . . to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
While we go about learning and growing into that task, the Holy Spirit is working in us so that we learn to realize the benefits of and develop the character traits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
And, finally, we do all this while doing good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
As a side note, so life doesn’t look like a long list of tasks that will never be satisfactorily completed, there is a manner with which we should approach life as a whole. As stated by Paul,
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
If my life is focused on those goals and tasks, and a few others as specifically called out in God’s Word, I don’t think that self is going to need or get much attention.
I remind myself, rather frequently, that life on earth is not the main event. The main event, life for eternity, with a perfected mind and body, starts when the Lord descends from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.
Well, it worked last time. I said there wasn’t much happening and the Wayfair story broke, bigtime.
So let’s see.
(Well, it’s worth a shot!)
Truth to tell, I’ve been so dang busy I haven’t been able to keep up here, so for all I know the entire Deep State (and its Derp State affiliate, for people like Maxine Waters) got arrested.
A Reminder Of Today’s Issues.
Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People...Our campaign represents a true existential threat, like they’ve never seen before.
Then-Candidate Donald J. Trump
Needs to happen, soon.
Lawyer Appeasement Section
OK now for the fine print.
This is the WQTH Daily Thread. You know the drill. There’s no Political correctness, but civility is a requirement. There are Important Guidelines, here, with an addendum on 20191110.
We have a new board – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation.
And remember Wheatie’s Rules:
1. No food fights 2. No running with scissors. 3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone. 4. The gun is always loaded. 4a. If you actually want the gun to be loaded, like because you’re checking out a bump in the night, then it’s empty. 5. Never point the gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy. 6. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. 7. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
(Hmm a few extras seem to have crept in.)
Coin of The Day
Funny thing happened to me the other day.
I got a Susan B. Anthony dollar in my change. The high school/college age cashier mistook it for a quarter, but I saw that undecagonal inner edge, looked again, saw it was Susie B. with the Apollo 11 patch design on the reverse, and handed it back, telling her it was a dollar. She eventually believed me, I think, but was going to forget to give me the quarter she still owed me until I reminded her.
But no, I’m not going to tell the story of the “Carter Quarter” (which should be called the Carter/Clinton quarter as they were issued again in 1999). But I will show you a picture, just to remind you (and educate your kids/grandkids).
Susan B. Anthony dollar, 1999 P. These were made, apparently, because the huge number made in 1979 had finally run out, and the “Golden Dollar” wasn’t due to start until the next year.
I’m going to tell the story of another failure, the worst.
You see, back in the 1870s someone thought we needed a twenty cent piece. Apparently, in the west, no one bothered with half dimes or nickels (and no, they’re not the same thing–the half dime was a silver coin half the weight of a dime; as you can imagine it was tiny). So if you bought a ten cent item, and paid a quarter for it, you got a dime back as change. Not fifteen cents, ten cents. (There was this old residual habit of thinking in terms of “bits” as in “two bits” being a quarter; a holdover from the Spanish milled “dollar” or piece of eight. Until the 1850s, those were still used when US coinage wasn’t available. Of course we didn’t have a twelve and a half cent piece, but until 1857 it was doable with dimes, half dimes, cents, and half cents.)
Someone with a large stake in the silver industry, still smarting from the 1873 coinage reform which many called “the crime of ’73” came up with the bright idea that putting twenty cent pieces into circulation would somehow solve the problem.
So we have the “double dime,” issued from 1875-1878. Like the Suzie B, a bunch were made in the first year. San Francisco made 1,155,000 of them in 1875, Philly made 38,500, and Carson City made 133,290, a sensible distribution for coins that were aimed at the Western United States. But then, the next year, Philly made 14,750 of them and Carson City made 10,000. San Francisco? ZERO. In 1877 and 1878, collector speciments, known as proof coins, were made in Philadelphia only, 1,110 pieces total for those two years. That sounds like a huge rarity, and it would be if they were business strike (“regular” coins), which would have been used, worn, and have a low survival rate, but proofs tend to have a relatively high survival rate since they are sold to people who save them not spend them, and these last two years’ coins can be had for four figures.
OK, these coins suffered from the get-go. Here’s a picture of a quarter from about that time:
All US silver at the time (other than the silver three cent piece, now that’s tiny) had this basic design. The dime and half dime (which had just been discontinued in 1873 since the nickel we know today had been invented in 1866, and it had circulated in the post civil war era while silver coinage was still being hoarded everywhere but in the West) had a wreath on the reverse, not an eagle, but the quarter, half dollar and dollar all had this eagle, and all five denominations had “Liberty Seated” on the obverse. The notion of different designs on different denominations was only beginning to dawn on people; our silver would finally get there in 1916.
The obverse is virtually identical–the word LIBERTY on the ribbon crossing the shield has raised letters, rather than recessed (incuse) letters; other than that, no real difference.
The eagle is at least a bit different; the eagle on the quarter, half, and dollar was basically the same design as was introduced in 1807 (!); this was something new–sort of. We had started creating a “Trade Dollar” in 1873, with extra silver in it, that had an eagle similar to this.
Now if you think about it, you’ll realize that not only is the design very similar, the coin has to have been nearly the same size; in fact, if the proportions were kept the same, it’d be only 7.2% smaller in diameter than a quarter. Not enough to notice.
Just as the Suzie B tried to look like it had 11 sizes (but it was the inside of the rim, not the shape of the coin itself), there was one other difference–this coin had a smooth edge, rather than reeding.
It wasn’t enough. This coin was a pain in the ass; and no one actually thought there was a point to the exercise other than silver lobbyists and their friends in Congress. Hence, the coin got canned the next year for all practical purposes, and the stake was completely driven through its heart at the end of 1878 when even proofs stopped being made.
Now if our coinage system had started with a twenty cent piece instead of a 25 cent piece, and someone had tried to introduce a quarter in 1875, the quarter would have flopped–there’s nothing God given about quarters versus double dimes. Only if the mint had said “we won’t make the old coin any more, you need to use the new denomination instead, from now on” and stuck to its guns, would the coin have succeeded–especially if banks were requested to send their old stock to the mint so that the mint could recoin it. But we were still a free country then, and that would have been too drastic a measure for no good reason.
So there’s nothing new under the sun; and we don’t learn from history. We’ll try to put out a new coin without thinking about it, and the same thing will happen as the last time.
Standard disclaimer: Neither these, nor any other coins I show here, are ones I own. In some cases I own a similar coin or coins, but by no means all or even most of them.
Obligatory PSA/Reminder
Just one more thing, my standard Public Service Announcement. We don’t want to forget this!!!
Remember Hong Kong!!! And remember the tens of millions who died under the “Great Helmsman” Chairman Mao.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=L3tnH4FGbd0%3F
I hope this guy isn’t rotting in the laogai somewhere!
中国是个混蛋 !!! Zhōngguò shì gè hùndàn !!! China is asshoe !!!
For my money the Great Helmsman is Hikaru Sulu (even if the actor is a dingbat).
I was about 10 years old when the idea of race affected me and my fellow peers. Most kids recite the beliefs of their parents at this age, saying things like “I’m proud to be black,” “I’m proud to be white,” “I’m proud to be Hispanic.” It seemed to make sense, why wouldn’t you be proud of something you are? You’re supposed to own yourself and embrace what you are, or at least that’s what everyone says you should do.
But I was riding in the car one day with my Dad and somehow, the subject of race came up. I told my Dad, “I’m proud to be white.” He looked at me sternly and said, “why?” I was surprised to hear this response; I figured this was just something you were supposed to embrace. Regardless, being the egotist that all kids are, I demanded to be right. I think I tried defending myself along the lines of, “White people have done great things, and it’s who I am. You should be proud too!”
“But son, why are you proud of something you did nothing to achieve? You’re not proud of having two arms, you’re not proud that you have blue eyes, why are you proud of being white? Literally, the only thing you had to achieve was birth, and you didn’t have a choice in that matter. You can only be proud of the things that you have worked to achieve.”
I remember this not making sense as a kid. Not because what he was saying didn’t make sense, but how could all of these people, even adults, be wrong? Seemingly everyone was proud of their heritage, and in school, we read book after book which advocated this belief of honoring your heritage. But it all makes sense now; large groups of people can (and often are), very egotistical.
The general excuse for racial pride is that you can, and should, be proud of your ancestors achievements. But just think about how disingenuous it is to expect credit for the achievements of others. You’re taking your ancestor’s success, or lack thereof, and passing it off as your own in aim of recognition. This is a problem. People want to be respected because they were born a certain way, not because they’re actually respectable. What you’re subtly saying is that you have a high opinion of yourself, or even believe yourself superior in some way, just because of your genetic traits. That’s literally what pride means, a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit,or superiority.
This is the major problem with identity politics. It becomes harder and harder to judge people as individuals, with their own individual circumstances. People want to claim superiority or merit simply because they belong to a specific group, and more specifically, a group they did nothing to become a part of. This can only help to perpetuate racism.
What was posted above certainly is not to say that you shouldn’t be interested in your culture or heritage, or participate in your cultural activities, feel a sense of belonging in your cultural community or thoroughly enjoy all your cultural food. (Well, all except for ludefisk, that is). But we must remember that words mean things; we should not mix up the feelings of belonging with the feeling of pride. Belonging generates feelings of family. Pride demands recognition and superiority.
Now, to wander into a little deeper water here – If your racial heritage can give you feelings of pride, probably based on your perception of the positive accomplishments or history of your race, then it stands to reason that your racial heritage can give you feelings of regret or even shame based on your perception of the negative events or history of your race. From feelings of regret and shame, it’s only a short hop over to GUILT.
In my mind, the positive associations are just as irrational as the negative associations and both should be assiduously avoided. You can neither take credit nor be assigned blame.
From a Biblical perspective, God’s Word is clear: pride opposes God.
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:12
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Proverbs 8:13
A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. Proverbs 29:23
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. Proverbs 18:12
As a last thought . . . guIlt. Some Christians seem to be consumed by guilt: They weren’t worthy of being chosen by God (Of course not . . . none of us are). They didn’t merit having their many sins forgiven (Of course not . . . none of us did). Their thoughts, words and deeds wander toward sin (Of course . . . all of ours do). They are progressing too slowly in the Christian life (Of course . . . all of us are).
Pride and guilt have one major thing in common . . . that big “I” in the middle. As a Christian, I don’t believe my focus should be on how I feel about the happenings in life . . . how they impact ME.
We’ve been given two most important commands: Love God and love your neighbor. I don’t see a third command slipped in there about thinking of, talking about or doing things that build up SELF. In fact, we are to die to self and follow Christ.
If our focus is on loving God and our neighbor, SELF can take care of itself.
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. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. 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.
Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.
The Storm is upon us. Please remember to Pray for our President.
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
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
And,
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
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.”
Waiting with Patience
February 23, 2018 by Pastor Chuck Swindoll Scriptures: Psalm 26:9–12
As David concludes his song about the grinding pain of unjust treatment and his chosen responses, he then commits to patience.
Resolved: I will patiently stand and wait for relief.
Do not take my soul away along with sinners, Nor my life with men of bloodshed, In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; Redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on a level place; In the congregations I shall bless the LORD. (Psalm 26:9–12)
There is something about human nature that prompts us to jump in with both feet and quickly work things out. In this section of his song, David implies that such was the activity of those around him. The majority said that they “wouldn’t stand for such a thing.” All sorts of “wicked schemes” and hands “full of bribes” were implemented by others. Not David! He set himself apart with the phrase “but as for me.” In Hebrew, the pronoun is extremely emphatic: “But me . . . as for me!”
He wanted it known that, unlike the majority, he wasn’t going to panic and get all involved in those carnal anxieties and ulcer-producing activities of self-vindication. No way! What does he say? “I shall walk in my integrity.” And he calls upon God to act on his behalf.
There’s a calmness, a quiet confidence in those words.
As for my present course: “I . . . walk in integrity.”
As for my defense: “Redeem me . . . be gracious to me.”
As for my inner feelings: “My foot stands.”
What stability! What admirable patience! What assurance and faith! No sleepless nights, no struggling doubts—just patient waiting.
Look back at that term “redeem.” The Hebrew is padah, meaning “to ransom, deliver.” It is a term of relief—as if in exile. It is the idea of delivering someone from terrible stress and even death. And don’t miss that intriguing phrase in verse 12: “My foot stands on a level place.” The phrase “level place” comes from a single Hebrew term, mishore, which can be traced back to the verb yashar, meaning “to be smooth, straight.” The first term mishore means “level country, a plain.” It conveys the idea of a place that has a high, commanding view, a broad range of vision in contrast to a place that is down in a deep gorge all shut in.
Do you get the picture? David is pleased to wait quietly on the Lord and remain objective. When he waits for God to deliver him, he maintains a panoramic perspective; he is able to look upon the entire process from God’s viewpoint, not from his own limited human perspective. In brief, he is able to maintain wisdom.
You can anticipate the application. When we patiently wait on the Lord’s deliverance, we are able to stay calm, objective, and wise in the midst of mistreatment. We can count on our Lord to be gracious and to deliver us at the right time. All the while, waiting enables us to maintain His perspective.
Look back over David’s six resolutions that will help make mistreatment bearable:
I will be open before the Lord.
I will remember His love . . . continue to obey His Word.
I will refuse the temptation to get even.
I will maintain a positive attitude.
I will be faithful in public worship.
I will patiently stand, stay objective, and wait for relief.
In the last twenty-four hours as of this writing, a GIGANTIC rabbit hole has opened up and is being thoroughly explored by anons everywhere. It’s now being called #Wayfairgate, and all evidence collected on Friday evening and through the night of the scheme – wildly overpricing items with all sorts of symbolism in the photographs of said items, and their being matched with the children on missing persons lists – is being systematically erased from view and “conspiracy theory” has now been slapped on the story, labeling it as a hoax and false by the usual suspects. (That evidence, though, is never really gone as the Internet, like a diamond, is forever.)
What this is all about can be explained pretty much by this video. Please watch to the end.
https://youtu.be/S5fw6HVCnvc
Also as of this writing, anons everywhere are finding the same sort of thing on other online retailers. So far Amazon, Etsy, E-Bay and a few others have been spotted. As new information comes available, please post it below. This topic was taking over the Saturday daily thread and some very valuable information was being buried.
In the meantime, here are some of the highlights so far:
Justice is ComingMedium starMedium starMedium star @RedPilledisBACK Police cars revolving lightWow! Look what Nightshift on the Frog faceboard found Former Execs w/ #BainAndCompany and #Mittens now working for #Wayfair Face with monocle
Crazy. I don’t shop Wayfair much but for about the last month at Amazon I’ve seen the same thing. Checked out a random listing today.. a folding deck chair………..$28,972.43 & FREE Shipping
phoenixrising37
l E T 17 @Inevitable_ET · 4h Yup Quote Tweet
TheHuBLife @GeneralDilley · 20h If you think the Wayfair Child Trafficking scandal is just an honest mistake on pricing and that SKU #’s coincidentally bring up photos of underage kids…
You probably are also the kind of person that thinks masks protect you from the China virus.
God help, America.
This particular rabbit hole caught on so fast, in less than 24 hours Snopes has labeled it a hoax. That’s gotta be some kind of record.
What is interesting is that anons have now taken it upon themselves to look for additional online retailers whose prices are wildly out of line, and the dots are being connected.
If you see something out there that tells of more retailers being exposed, or is newsworthy on this topic, including memes, please add it to the comments below.
