Watching "Christianity" and "evangelical" be used and abused in popular media is kind of a thrill ride for sociopaths and the sociopaths

 Matthew 13:24-30

    Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?  But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

The term evangelical derives from the Greek word evangelion meaning “gospel” or “good news.” Technically speaking, evangelical refers to a person, church, or organization that is committed to the Christian gospel message that Jesus Christ is the savior of humanity. The Greek root word is used in the New Testament and was popularized in the first centuries A.D. to distinguish the love-centric movement of Jesus followers from the violent Roman Empire that often made its own “good news” announcements to celebrate military victories.
     When American media uses the word "evangelical" usually they use it as a descriptive of, simply, American Christians. There is likely some in the mix, but I think they're using the word to indicate  a very very broad demographic which is a mix of real and faux Christians. There is a parable of Jesus which appears in Matthew 13:24–43. The parable relates how servants eager to pull up weeds were warned that in so doing they would root out the wheat as well and were told to let both grow together until the harvest. So some,  though off target, will always be there. Faux Christians love the Christian verbiage..but, clearly, produce not much of anything faithfully productive. A man of faith can move mountains. A faux Christian has no interest in moving anything....sometimes not even themselves.
    But I  remain hopeful because there are still a LOT of true "Jesus Christ is Lord" Christians who are not also low-information people who  chase every conspiracy theory that comes their way. I see this in my own personal observation and personal research. In my mind the right wing may not be a majority but just the noisiest. A lot of time is given to the shipwreck that is Donald Trump. Maga and the "America First" movement is quite truthfully America First as it's agenda. Jesus falls out of the top couple spots and may land at 3rd or 4th. Just enough so the "Christianese" language can be heard and Bibles used as props. 
    Today the word "evangelical" is getting overused and abused. In fact, even my usage of the word "Evangelical" is when I use it as a descriptive of an American form of "Christianity" whose real identity is usually more suspect. When I use the word "Christian." I generally use it as a descriptive of "Christs Ones" or a Christian is someone whose behavior and heart reflects Jesus Christ...a natural growth from knowing Him.
There are times I may be short sighted in that observation as there may be many who make missteps and historically I slip them in the "evangelical" column. That is not always fair on my part, as being a Christian does not mean we will never misstep...and I have had people extend grace to me when I made poor decisions in my past.
     Watching "Christianity" and "evangelical" be used and abused in popular media is kind of a thrill ride for sociopaths and the sociopaths who watch....and even the Christian-sociopaths, which is a demographic in which those two words should never be used close together for any good reason. But here we are.

Jan 6 vs Supreme Court Protests

 Question: When do we get to see the hearing of those who broke through those same capital doors to stop a confirmation of a supreme court justice?!! They tried to stop. insurrection??

While protesters in 2018 did push past a police barricade in front of the steps of the Supreme Court to pound on its doors, according to NBC News, there is no reference to protesters entering the Supreme Court building. Capitol Police said in a press release they arrested more than 100 people for infractions that ranged from crowding and obstructing to unlawful conduct on Oct. 5, 2018, but The Washington Post reported that nearly 300 protesters had been arrested. That followed hundreds of protesters arrested during earlier hearings, including about 200 in early September 2018, mostly for disorderly conduct, according to Reuters. There is no reference to those protesters damaging the Supreme Court or Capitol, which was open to the public in 2018. During the Jan. 6 riot, though, the Capitol and its visitors center were closed to the public, including tours led by members of Congress and their staff, according to a security notice sent to all members of Congress. The Jan. 6 insurrection that followed a speech from then-President Donald Trump left both demonstrators and police injured or, in some cases, dead.
SOURCES:
Reuters, Sept. 7, 2018, Hundreds arrested in multi-day protests of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Washington Post,
Oct. 4, 2018, Hundreds arrested in protest against Trump’s Supreme Court nominee U.S. Capitol Police,
Oct. 5, 2018, U.S. Capitol Police Respond to Multiple Instances of Unlawful Demonstration Activities NBC News, Oct. 6, 2018, Protesters pound the doors of the Supreme Court following Kavanaugh confirmation U.S. Capitol Police,
Jan. 7, Statement of Steven Sund, Chief of Police, Regarding the Events of January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol Police, Jan. 7, Loss of USCP Officer Brian D. Sicknick USA TODAY, 
Jan. 7, California woman killed during Capitol riot was a military veteran and staunch Trump supporter USA TODAY,
Jan. 7, Three people died from medical emergencies on Capitol grounds Wednesday. Who were they? 

Boston.com, an. 8, AP photographer shares harrowing video of pro-Trump mob attacking colleague outside Capitol Associated Press,
Jan. 14, Prosecutor: US Capitol rioter with zip ties meant 'to take hostages' CNN video, accessed Feb. 3, Rioters break windows and breach US Capitol U.S. Department of Justice, accessed
​ Feb. 3, List of charges announced against alleged participants in Capitol riot.

The GOP is now the party of fear mongering

Zorek Richards

 The GOP is now the party of fear mongering. They spread fear amongst their members and the gullible ones will be subservient. It's how they keep them codependent and "loyal." GOP is NRA bought, and it keeps their members armed. GOP voters are not motivated by God, country, or Constitution. They are motivated by fear and fear alone (usually expressed by hatefulness). Everyone is out to get them one way or another except (of course) the GOP leadership who are going to lead them to the GOP "promised land"....by extracting every nickel and dime they can grift from their fearful devoted goose-stepping minions. Trump didn't start the fire. He just fanned the flames. I think we are, after trying everything else, going to have to send in Yoko Ono to break up these clowns in the House.

     The GOP leader told Megyn Kelly this week that "I could have pardon myself. Do you know what? I was given an option to pardon myself. I had a couple of attorneys that said can you do it if you want." But, seriously, why would he think about if he did not know he was doing something illegal?? He's a old-school criminal and not very bright. He incriminates himself in every interview he makes.
   Republican Congressman Ronnie Jackson is very confused. Ronny Jackson is a political prisoner in the deep deep state between his ears and his own mind. His mind will not pardon him. Reality has a restraining order against him for abuse. He consistently posts a Bible verse on Sunday Twitter, but spends the rest of the time making all kinds of judgments against anyone who is not pro-Trump. Jackson says "Our country is careening off a cliff and this White House's ONLY concern is locking up their political adversaries. They truly hate this country and its people. We need TRUMP back now more than ever!!". No one in the USA that I know of is being jailed for being on the other side of as political party - Democrat or Republican. 
     South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem adamantly denied to Megyn Kelly the rumors that she was having an affair with Trump staffer Corey Lewandowski. I think there is eveidence that she has but until then I will not comment. Megyn Kelly is repeating claims that the Obamas secretly run the government because, when your only audience is MAGA, a racist lie always beats the truth.
    Donald Trump spoke at the Pray Vote Stand Summitt  and said "The moment I win the election, I will appoint a special task force to rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner who has been unjustly persecuted by Biden.. I want to sign their pardons and commutations on day one." At face value that means there would not be any to pardon becasue Biden has not perecuted or jailed anyone.  This week Putin criticized Trump's arrest, trial: 'Shows the rottenness of the American system. When Putin endorses him, you gotta know fascists endorse other fascists.  Liz Cheney put out a statement: "Putin has now officially endorsed the Putin-wing of the Republican Party. Putin Republicans & their enablers will end up on the ash heap of history. Patriotic Americans in both parties who believe in the values of liberal democracy will make sure of it."
    The NRA does not defend the second amendment. They defend the money they make off the fools who think they do defend the second amendment. Their biggest nightmare is not Joe Biden, like they claim. It would be the dues paying members who wake up some day realize the NRA used them as  pawns and for grift.
    Texas Congressman Chip Roy said this week on the House floor that “If we're not going to secure the United States of America, we shouldn't fund the government that REFUSES to do so!”...However, that would be at the expense of every citizen in the USA who will be affected by it..and it will touch everyones life (if not directly than indirectly). Congressmen who are over paid anyway and have usually used their position to make extra profit off grift and back room deals...will be unaffected in the short term. But, their wage should be the first thing cancelled and not exempt. I Bet they would be a little more concerned then. 
              North Carolina Lt Governor Mark Robinson told an audience this week that "It is summer. Soon it will be fall. And it will be winter. After that, it will be spring… That's the only climate change that I believe in… Other Ice Ages that happened, I don't think any dinosaurs were going look there’s an eastern airliner flying over us."   Preachers who preach like that  are dangerous. They generally hold a lot of control over what their congregation believes when they preach outside the gospel. They are commissioned to "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.." They are "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." Allowing a person to be "built up" is to always plant the seed... and encourage growth in their time. Preaching politics, science etc is like an athiest preaching about the "power of God." It just doesnt work and makes no sense and produces horrible fruit.
​   Congressman Jim Jordan said thsi week that "It’s scary that Democrat governors think they can suspend the Constitution just because they want to. Republicans won’t ever stop standing up for your Constitutional rights." (He was referring to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham when she said she could suspend part of the Constitution in order to save lives...because of major issues with gun deaths.) January 6, 2021 and the way Jordan has handled, or rather, done everything he can to avoid it, makes Jordan a liar.
Sen.
    On News Nation this week Ted Cruz tried to debunk the false Democrat claim that there is “no evidence” corroborating the allegations of Biden corruption. “There is a growing mountain of evidence." he declared. But even he didnt say what it was. Ted Cruz affirms everything the GOP does and has for years. Facts are irrelevant. He is wrong a lot. As a former right winger I supported him for President and vioted for him in the Mississippi primary. 
    Matt Gaetz tweeted this week that "Kevin McCarthy Is a Sad, Pathetic Man Who Lies To Hold Onto Power." What he means is that he does not accept the lies someone else pushes. Lying to Hold onto power is the Republican Party Platform.

"Why do you think God is that stupid?"

 There are some Christians in America who believe they are being discriminated against because of their Christianity. Though there are exceptions, most of these people who make this claim are being attacked for their politics first and foremost.

When we answer God at judgment I just don't think that saying well, I supported the Republicans (or insert party here) or I became a politician to make our country more Christian just isn't going to fly.
"Depart from me I never knew you" is the worst thing that anyone who claims to be a "Christian" would want to hear. Pursue Him and His kingdom always until that day there will be no reason to pursue Him anymore as we will be with Him then and forever. I choose Him over America any day of the week.  -Zorek Richards
SideNotes: When a Right Wing Maga says "Im just doing what God says," I usually have to end the dialogue with "Why do you think God is that stupid?"

A lot of American Churches have become so self-absorbed

 

A lot of American Churches have become so self-absorbed that it cares little for those who are outside–unless there’s a possibility of bringing people in and making them just like them. Once outsiders come inside, they need to assimilate—that’s just the rule. (And for many that also means pay your tithe so we can do fun stuff to appease members,....... invite outsiders in to show what a warm and wonderful church they are.... and pay the pastors mortgage and car. (For the record, most of the mega church pastors are also listed as some of the richest people in the country........Tithing required....even though the Malachi requirement was so it could bring "food into your storehouse" by tithing to the storehouse)

Many Churches are continually "reinventing themselves" with the latest plan for church growth. The apostle Paul did not live an extravagant life but he got the message to the world. He died in a horrible way. But if a person is living to just to stay alive they are going to lose.
(the only standard should be Romans 12:2 which is a goal any and every church should preach and promote...but no manner of theocracy can dictate it).
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
And then it means they insist that the Church’s standards become and/or remain the law of the land. But, then, which form of Christianity tops the theocracy? United States of Methodist? United States of Baptist? United States of Charismania?...and on and on..
Amos 5:21-24:
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;
your assemblies are a stench to me.
22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
23 Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!“

Same verses paraphrased:
I can’t stand your religious meetings.
I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

Unhush Money

 Since Trevor Noah left "The Daily Show" they have been trying out new hosts. This week it is Roy Wood Jr, who is also, so far, my favorite.

​ 

   On Tuesday Wood reported:
" it’s not all bad for Trump,” Roy Wood Jr explained on the Daily Show. . Because it’s been reported that in the 48 hours following his indictment, Trump managed to raise $5 million from his supporters. “Do you know how many cigarettes that will get you in prison?” Wood asked.
“Honestly, this might be teaching this man the wrong lesson,” Wood concluded. “Trump will start telling people to snitch on him for other crimes he did, just so he can get that bag, too. Trump will be the first man in history to pay un-hush money.”

If convicted of all 34 felonies, Donald Trump could go to prison for up to 136 years.

 

  Donald Trump was charged with a whopping 34 felony counts of falsifying business records—in the same New York courtroom where the Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud last year—and entered a plea of not guilty. Indictment focuses on 3 hush money cases, If convicted of all 34 felonies, the former president could go to prison for up to 136 years. 

     Rolling Stone reported that Trump  was “offered a chance to surrender quietly and be arraigned over Zoom,” but chose “a midday, high-profile booking at the Manhattan courthouse” in order to make it clear that he’s being crucified—and is happy to take the heat so his followers don’t have to. (BTW, none of Trump’s supporters have falsified business records to cover up a six-figure payment to an adult film star while running for president of the United States.) “It’s kind of a Jesus Christ thing,” a source familiar with Trump’s legal team told the outlet. “He is saying, ‘I’m absorbing all this pain from all around from everywhere so you don’t have to’ [and] ‘If they can do this to me they can do this to you’…that’s a powerful message.”
     Trump's next scheduled court date in New York isn't until Dec. 4. That means a trial might not start until January, on the cusp of the 2024 Republican presidential nominating process. At Maralago, on the evening after the arraignment, Trump, of course said “This fake case was brought only to interfere with the upcoming 2024 election, and it should be dropped immediately,” But truthfully it wouldn't have mattered when or what was happening because Trump always paints himself as the victim. Being the victim seems to be his one and only superpower. For a guy who claims to be so smart he is always the innocent concerned official who is always the major victim. It will be the only crown of his legacy. A severely tainted crown, but a crown nonetheless.

We are now so desensitized to the frequency of mass shootings that we now actually give a sigh of relief and say "Thank God, it was only six people, it could have been so much worse." Before we have even emotionally absorbed one tragedy there will be another in a matter of days. " What is wrong with us?", a letter to the editor in a Louisiana paper writes,  "When did holding on to power and "winning" become more important than the sanctity of life? When did we give up on the concept of community and working together to create a better, safer, more equitable community for everyone?"

The 98th Session of the South Dakota Legislature wrapped up Monday with Veto Day. Sioux Falls Argus Leader reported:  "Winner: Criminal Justice.' The state is funding the construction of two new prisons to ease overcrowding at the women’s facility in Pierre and the men’s facility in Sioux Falls. Construction on the women’s prison in Rapid City is slated to start in the summer. Meanwhile, the Department of Corrections will start the process to design and find the next location for the men’s penitentiary in the Sioux Falls area."
Yet the prison population of South Dakota is about twice that of North Dakota. Before they spend money to build a new prison, they might try using North Dakota as a template to reduce prison population to half of what it is now. 
     The Leader writes "Reducing the prison population by half should solve our short and long term prison problems. A rough calculation suggests that half the prison population would need half the space, half the staff and a lot less expense. This should be very attractive to fiscal conservatives.The prisons are currently managed by the Department of Corrections. The high numbers of people who return to our prison system suggests they are not correcting much." ​

Disinformation is the easiest thing to find on the internet.

  

Local newspapers were never perfect, but also never gave the pretense that they were. They could sometimes reflect community prejudices, or cozy up to authorities they should have challenged. But the social costs of losing local coverage genuinely rooted in communities is profound.

Local news organizations encourage people to use businesses, go to theatres or join campaigning groups. They inform people about rights and services. They promote accountability and democratic oversight – even more important when power is devolving. But they also sustain communities in less tangible ways. They make people feel part of society. They allow them to assess what they read in the context of their own experience, and encourage them to see news as a source of practical and helpful information, rather than a matter of theoretical discussion and emotional reaction. Margaret Sullivan, a US media critic, warned that their erosion is a danger to democracy itself. It allows disinformation and emotive political rhetoric detached from fact to flourish. Disinformation is the easiest thing to find on the internet.
    My personal choice for news is local news for most things. After that its a weight and balance time to look at major news sources where there are people trying to make a living which depends on an audience and a good share of the ratings. Most of them believe that sensationalizing a story is the best way to draw an audience. And, for many, truth is not the most important thing if a lie will get them more traffic which can revert to more money in their pockets.
     These kinds of resources can lead us through many "Max Headroom" moments. ("Max Headroom" was a pre-internet 1985 movie which to some degree became a prophetic insight in what was to come). I remember watching it on a rented VHS on my first "high tech" VHS player and thinking how weird it would be if this really happened...but I could see some possibilities.
     Today I have the ability to watch literally thousands of movies at the flick of a remote without having to go to the Video Rental store. But, also, I have almost that many sources available for news and it has many many trails​.

Gateway Pundit: The right wing king of misinformation and grift.

 

Gateway Pundit is a irresponsible web site that pulls news out of reality and makes it their own by rewriting whatever the real story was and making it a right-wing talking point.  Case in point they (they, by the way, is Jim Hoft) reported that "Dominion Voting Systems sued FOX News for $1.6 billion in a defamation lawsuit in March 2021.  ". 

      As near as I can tell that one sentence is all Hoft got right. 
     He then added: "The AP reported on the suit in a very nasty and biased report" and then Hoft added as a garnishment: "The AP included numerous falsities and biases in its report, so much so that it looked like it was written by Dominion." Hoft went on to say that Fox has filed a suit against Dominion now.....which they did not. Fox did filed a response to the Dimonion claim which stated that  “Dominion is fundamentally mistaken. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press would be illusory if the prevailing side in a public controversy could sue the press for giving a forum to the losing side.”
     It is, of course, the old "First Amendment" argument the right wing likes to lean on which is supposed to allow them to say whatever they want. Not true, of course. Lying is not a First Amendment right.
    The only out Fox News could have might be that they would want to post a disclaimer on every report saying "This might not be true" but it's a good story. Or maybe rebrand their "News Corporation" as a satire site. Right wingers, of course, would still pick out the stories they want to push as true. As a former right-winger I understand clearly that they are motivated by one thing: Affirmation." It does not matter if what they are spouting is true...just that some of their fellow right wingers give them affirmation.
  One other note: Hoft reported that "Mark Beckstrand, a Dominion Sales Manager, confirmed that other parties “have gotten ahold of [Dominion’s] equipment illicitly” in the past. There is no information to back that comment up. But if you punch it into google you will find several website reporting the same thing. But...they are ALL right wing nutjob sites. Sometimes it's hard to tell who created the story but they all post the same things and right winger seat it up like candy. 

In Exchange for a few brain cells, you can be an Ultra Maga, Too!

 

Maga and Ultra Maga?? I am presuming that if one is using fewer brain cells or simply lack basic critical thinking skills one can claim "Ultra" status cuz why not create a title that means you're just a bigger idiot then the regular ones?

Read a lot of right wing posts today & about 90 % of them are

linked to blogs or sites that I would presume if I would see the author I would hear a banjo picking the "Deliverance" theme in the background.
     Jack Smith has subpoenaed Mike Pence.
Subpoena from special counsel Jack Smith requests documents and testimony related to the failed attempt by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
To be truthful......I am beginning to have some doubts about what the end game is. It's been over two years now and we already know through the Jan 6 Committee about a lot of the info they already have....which seems more than enough. If they do not charge Trump...it leaves the door open for him or someone like him to do it again. It could be, however, that Smith and friends are just trying to make the case rock solid. (Which should be relatively easy just based on info we have already seen and heard. )