{"id":713,"date":"2020-11-02T10:55:58","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T15:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/?p=713"},"modified":"2020-11-02T10:55:58","modified_gmt":"2020-11-02T15:55:58","slug":"the-rhea-county-republican-november-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/the-rhea-county-republican-november-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rhea County Republican – November 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN<\/span><\/h1>\n

ADVANCING THE CONSERVATIVE CAUSE<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vol. 4 \u2013 No. 9\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 November 2020<\/em><\/p>\n

RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY NEWS<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rhea County Republican Party Executive Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bitsy Gryder \u2013 Chairman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gary Drinkard \u2013 Vice Chairman<\/p>\n

Judy Bancroft \u2013 Secretary\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Larry Pendergrass \u2013 Treasurer<\/p>\n

Linda Pendergrass \u2013 Vice Treasurer<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Rhea County Republican Party Monthly Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n

The next meeting of the Rhea County Republican Party is scheduled for Thursday, November 5th<\/sup><\/strong>, at 7:00 PM, at the Rhea County Sheriff\u2019s Training Center, located at 711 Eagle Lane, in Evensville, TN.<\/p>\n

Bring a friend!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Minutes from the Previous Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meeting Minutes for October 1, 2020<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chair Elizabeth Gryder called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.\u00a0 Marvin Keener offered prayer and Joe Gryder led the Pledge of Allegiance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Elizabeth Gryder introduced and welcomed new attendees Tina Pearce-Keller and Baylee Bush.\u00a0 Get-well cards for Gary Drinkard and Keith Flatness were circulated for signing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Executive Committee Minutes<\/u> for September 3rd<\/sup> were read by Judy Bancroft.\u00a0 Motion by Joe Gryder, second by Donna Taylor, to accept the minutes as read.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The September Meeting Minutes<\/u> were read by Judy Bancroft.\u00a0 A correction was noted that the PAC donation amount already given to each candidate was $200, with $300 remaining to be given, not vice versa.\u00a0 Motion by Marvin Keener, second by Donna Taylor, to accept the minutes as corrected.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/u> was given by Tom Taylor.\u00a0 He reported that the ending balance cited at September\u2019s meeting was incorrect.\u00a0 It should have been $9841.18 rather than $14,339.69, the difference being from one large reimbursement check related to the Reagan Day Dinner.\u00a0 Current ending balance is $8811.16.\u00a0 Motion by Joe Gryder, second by Marvin Keener, to accept the report.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Legislative Report<\/u> was given by Kris Bancroft.\u00a0 He reminded members that a full legislative report is available each month in the online newsletter The Rhea County Republican<\/em>.\u00a0 He also talked about the 1917 Society, an organization which provides pocket Constitutions<\/em> each year to all 8th-graders in Tennessee and several other states.\u00a0 For those interested, extra copies were made available to attendees.\u00a0 Members were invited to consider supporting the organization.\u00a0 Their website is www.917society.org<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OLD BUSINESS:<\/p>\n

PAC Treasurer<\/u>:\u00a0 Elizabeth Gryder reported that Ted Doss is unable to accept the position formerly held by James Murphy before his passing.\u00a0 A motion was made by Marvin Keener and seconded by Laura Travis to ask Anthony \u201cKris\u201d Bancroft to fill the position of PAC Treasurer for the remainder of this term.\u00a0 Motion carried and the position was accepted.\u00a0 The only signatory changes to be made at the bank at this time will be to remove James Murphy\u2019s name and add Anthony \u201cKris\u201d Bancroft\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Party Vice-Treasurer<\/u>:\u00a0 Laura Travis has accepted the position and was thanked for doing so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reagan Day Dinner<\/u>:\u00a0 Elizabeth Gryder reported that everything has been paid or collected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ads in The Herald News<\/em><\/u>:\u00a0 Elizabeth Gryder reported that our Vote Republican ads will appear in The Herald News, <\/em>as planned, <\/em>on October 11th<\/sup> and November 1st.<\/em>\u00a0 The total cost will be $920.\u00a0 Samples of the ads were shared with attendees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NEW BUSINESS:<\/p>\n

Ted Doss shared that a Young Republicans group is in the process of being formed in Spring City for voters aged 18-40.\u00a0 Elizabeth Gryder will plan to contact the person leading in that effort to discuss how we might work together.\u00a0 Discussion ensued about the importance of increasing our membership and attendance and especially involving young people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Gryder announced that our next meeting will be November 5th<\/sup>.\u00a0 She also reminded everyone to vote for Republican candidates on November 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0 Volunteers may be needed to work with the Election Commission to assist voting in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laura Travis reminded members that it will be time to elect new officers before long.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tina Pearse-Keller won the drawing for a patriotic cup.\u00a0 The cup portrayed Ronald Reagan, the Pledge of Allegiance and Betsy Ross and was donated by Ted Doss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM.<\/p>\n

Judy Bancroft, Secretary<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

If ever there has been something written to inspire a citizen to become active in the political process it would have to be the poem written by Martin Niem\u00f6ller, a German Lutheran pastor and theologian born in\u00a0Lippstadt<\/a>, Germany, in 1892. \u00a0Niem\u00f6ller was an\u00a0anti-Communist<\/a>\u00a0and supported\u00a0Adolf Hitler<\/a>‘s rise to power at first. \u00a0But when Hitler insisted on the supremacy of the state over religion, Niem\u00f6ller became disillusioned. \u00a0He became the leader of a group of German clergymen opposed to Hitler. \u00a0In 1937 he was arrested and eventually confined in\u00a0Sachsenhausen<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Dachau<\/a>. \u00a0He was released in 1945 by the\u00a0Allies<\/a>. \u00a0He continued his career in Germany as a clergyman and as a leading voice of penance and reconciliation for the German people after\u00a0World War II<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First they came for the Communists
\nAnd I did not speak out
\nBecause I was not a Communist<\/p>\n

Then they came for the Socialists
\nAnd I did not speak out
\nBecause I was not a Socialist<\/p>\n

Then they came for the trade unionists
\nAnd I did not speak out
\nBecause I was not a trade unionist<\/p>\n

Then they came for the Jews
\nAnd I did not speak out
\nBecause I was not a Jew<\/p>\n

Then they came for me
\nAnd there was no one left
\nTo speak out for me<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/First_they_came_<\/a>…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EDITORIAL<\/strong><\/p>\n

There have been many reports in the media about the contents of Hunter Biden\u2019s laptop computer, first revealed to us in a story by the New York Post.\u00a0 Dispersions have been cast at the FBI Director Christopher Wray for having \u201csat on\u201d the story for the better part of a year.\u00a0 But, as it turns out, regardless of the motives for Wray\u2019s suppressing the story for so long, doing so may well have been the best thing that could have happened for the effort to reelect our President.<\/p>\n

We know the laptop belonged to Hunter Biden because the shop owner produced a document with Hunter Biden\u2019s signature when he had dropped it off for repairs.\u00a0 If all the material we\u2019re told that was found on Hunter Biden\u2019s laptop is true \u2013 and it most certainly is since Joe Biden has not denied it \u2013 we have substantial evidence showing Joe Biden has violated several federal statutes.<\/p>\n

Joe Biden has (perhaps indirectly) violated Article I \u2013 Section IX, Clause 6 of the Constitution (the Emoluments Clause) by \u201caccepting\u201d (read extorting<\/em>) political favors in the way of having Hunter Biden \u201chired\u201d to serve on corporate boards in Ukraine (Burisma) and in China (Bohai Harvest, an equity firm owned by the Chinese Communist Party); Joe Biden directly<\/em> violated the Emoluments Clause by raking off 10% from the \u201csalary\u201d Hunter was \u201cpaid\u201d to serve as board member on those firms; Joe Biden has engaged in several \u201cpay-to-play\u201d schemes; Joe Biden has accepted millions of dollars in bribes from the wife of the former Mayor of Moscow, to enable her to sneak the sum of her ill-gotten gains out of Russia; we finally have all the \u201cdots\u201d connected on the Ukrainian shakedown when Joe Biden bragged on camera<\/em> that he had withheld a billion dollars in aid to Ukraine until the investigation into Burisma was called off!\u00a0 And then, there\u2019s the income tax evasion; we know Joe Biden\u2019s net worth is nineteen times greater than what was reported only a few years ago.<\/p>\n

Looking back for a moment, kindly recall Joe Biden competed against ~30 of his fellow Democrats in seeking the nomination.\u00a0 OK, admittedly, the DNC might have favored Joe Biden because, in their view, it was \u201cJoe\u2019s turn\u201d to run for the White House, but had the contents of Hunter\u2019s laptop been revealed early on, the scandal would have been too much for even the DNC to swallow (and they can \u201cswallow\u201d a lot!).<\/p>\n

So, the walking, talking gaffe machine that is Joe Biden has now been fully revealed as a \u201cSwamp Creature\u201d of epic proportions \u2013 a criminal, a dirty rotten criminal, a criminal who is irrefutably guilty of what may even be capital crimes \u2013 comes when the election only a few days away.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s too late for the DNC to do meaningful damage control.\u00a0 There is likely little-to-nothing the DNC could do to persuade the few Democrat voters who haven\u2019t completely sacrificed their principles for political gain to halt their support a severely flawed candidate.\u00a0 And, if<\/em><\/strong> there are some voters who are still truly \u201con the fence\u201d in choosing between voting for President Trump or Joe Biden, chances are they\u2019ve decided to vote for President Trump.<\/p>\n

So, here we are, it\u2019s late October in a presidential election, and it\u2019s the perfect time for an \u201cOctober Surprise\u201d<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s still something that doesn\u2019t quite add up!\u00a0 This October Surprise comes to us via the FBI, an organization known<\/em> to have no love or respect for President Trump.\u00a0 It\u2019s as though we were standing beneath an apple tree and, as we held out our hand, the most beautiful apple on the tree fell into it.\u00a0 Coincidence?\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe in coincidences.\u00a0 Was it a gift from A.G. Barr, via Rudy Giuliani, via the New York Post?\u00a0 Pardon my skepticism but I do not think the FBI would suddenly do something to advance the campaign of President Trump.<\/p>\n

I sat analyzing this revelation of Joe Biden\u2019s criminal behavior and how the news suddenly appeared.\u00a0 I could not make the various scenarios leading to this revelation work out . . . at least until a \u201cblack swan\u201d in the person of Tony Bobulinski, a former business partner of the Biden family showed up at the end of the 24 October debate.\u00a0 The FBI had learned that he was going to deliver the goods against Biden so, in order to save face, Christopher Wray had no choice but to get out in front of the scandalous and incriminating information on Hunter Biden\u2019s computer and give the story to the New York Post.\u00a0 Rest assured that Rudy Giuliani was the person who delivered the sad news to the FBI.\u00a0 So, I suppose we could say that Biden wasn\u2019t the only one who received an October Surprise; it certainly appears as though Christopher Wray got one, as well!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/justthenews.com\/accountability\/political-ethics\/how-hunter-biden-tied-hedge-fund-helped-communist-china-obtain<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/what-we-know-about-hunter-bidens-dealings-in-china-11570181403<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/nypost.com\/2020\/10\/22\/hunter-biz-partner-confirms-e-mail-details-joe-bidens-push-to-make-millions-from-china\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/thehill.com\/opinion\/white-house\/436816-joe-bidens-2020-ukrainian-nightmare-a-closed-probe-is-revived<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/nypost.com\/2020\/10\/14\/email-reveals-how-hunter-biden-introduced-ukrainian-biz-man-to-dad\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/politics\/biden-camp-hits-back-at-hunter-biden-email-report-suggesting-then-vp-met-with-burisma-exec<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/politics\/fbi-interview-request-hunter-biden-ex-associate-tony-bobulinski-senate-committee?fbclid=IwAR2pQU-x2ggG6UWCnBSKHDt3Xsi5CUQsTiwsj4GtPTutMjkiCQp8l2Umrjg<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aiiSq7toqlQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR20O-RoaiLET0INHHy-58Dp2mhXfkKjwpys7L_UsEwNZeLdcP43eEkWxdo<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Food for thought. https:\/\/lettersfromflyovercountry.com\/?p=458&fbclid=IwAR3pZJ8EtRx0_stLD4t8Ejnj0BPlm6A5TiIuB6k25A_3r5rV4GusbfXLkRM<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sir Isaac Newton taught us \u201cfor every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.\u201d\u00a0 For years, the \u201cLeft\u201d have done all within their power to destroy our founding principles and our Constitution.\u00a0 I cannot help but wonder whether Sir Isaac\u2019s law will ever manifest itself in the form of an equal and opposite reaction in the form of a restoration process.\u00a0 Of course, this would require Republican politicians to unite under the banner of True Conservatism, and to make that happen, it would demand that Patriots hold our representatives accountable should they fail in this cause.\u00a0 Is it time yet for us to weed out the RINOs and let our representatives know what we expect of them?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

QUESTION OF THE MONTH<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Please choose the response that most closely reflects your opinion and email to <\/em>pyrope84045@mypacks.net<\/em><\/a> to share your response with your fellow conservatives.\u00a0 A score on each of the questions will be published in the next edition of The Rhea County Republican.\u00a0 THANKS! \u2013 Editor]<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are your expected results from the revelations of duplicity, extortion, violations of the Emoluments Clause, perjury, and money laundering that have been revealed from Hunter Biden\u2019s computer?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Joe Biden and several members of his family and inner circle will be indicted, tried, and convicted for capital crimes.<\/li>\n
  2. Hunter Biden will be indicted and tried for extortion but Joe Biden will not be brought to justice.<\/li>\n
  3. It will be the same story except with different actors; Joe Biden and none of his family and inner circle will ever be tried for their crimes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Results for last month\u2019s question:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes\u201d or \u201cNo:\u201d Should the Senate vote to confirm President Trump\u2019s Supreme Court nominee prior to the election?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Forty-one readers responded.\u00a0 All responses were \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    RECRUITING ANARCHISTS IN VIRGINIA<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Some cunning Democrat legislators in Virginia devised a sinister plot to get their lower ranking apparatchiki off the hook if they are caught committing various riot-related crimes, but there\u2019s a lot more to it than what is immediately visible.<\/p>\n

    HB 5146<\/strong> Automatic expungement of criminal records<\/u>. \u00a0This bill establishes a process for the automatic expungement of criminal records for certain convictions, deferred dispositions, acquittals, and for offenses that have been nolle prossed, or otherwise dismissed. \u00a0The bill also provides a process for the automatic expungement of criminal records for charges arising from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of identifying information. \u00a0The bill has staggered delayed effective dates in order to develop systems for implementing the provisions of the bill. \u00a0As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Virginia State Crime Commission.\u00a0 The bill has passed the House of Delegates (what most states refer to as their \u201cHouse of Representatives), and is already under review by Senate committees.\u00a0 So, what kind of crimes are to be expunged?<\/p>\n

    The bill would automatically expunge the records for several types of crimes after eight years provided<\/em> the individual has not reoffended. \u00a0Offenders would no longer be required to reveal these convictions to potential employers, and most employers would, on inquiry to the state, be told that \u201cno record exists.\u201d \u00a0The crimes include: pointing a laser at a law enforcement officer; making threats of bodily injury; trespass; damage to churches, monuments, public buildings, vehicles; crimes involving gas pumps and gasoline carriers; encrypting criminal activity; tampering with a fire hydrant; interfering with emergency communications; throwing materials such as glass and nails on highways; obstructing the free passage of others; interfering with law enforcement; obstructing medical personnel; disorderly conduct; defacing the symbols of the commonwealth, and; concealing or compounding the offenses of others. \u00a0The most interesting is refusing to obey by the police or National Guard when they are summoned to keep the peace. \u00a0What possible justification is there for this crime encouragement bill?<\/p>\n

    Giving it some thought, it seems the Democrats are planning on instigating episodes of anarchy when things don\u2019t go their way, and this bill will make it easier to recruit anarchists to serve their cause in the future.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    COMMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Elected Representatives from all States and all levels of government are encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and announcements by emailing them to <\/em>pyrope84045@mypacks.net<\/em><\/a> .\u00a0 Your constituents want to hear from you! \u2013 Editor <\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Have you wanted to express your views to Fox News about the liberal propagandists they seem to coddle, or their inexplicable lurch to the left (or any other matter) but didn\u2019t know how?\u00a0 This link will let you make your voice heard:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/contact<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    COMMENTS FROM READERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Readers are invited to submit their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and announcements from their city, county, state, and country.\u00a0 Please share your ideas, thoughts, opinions, and announcements by emailing them to:\u00a0 <\/em>pyrope84045@mypacks.net<\/em><\/a> .\u00a0 Your fellow Conservatives want to hear from you! \u2013 Editor<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jim Clarkson<\/strong>, President RSM Energy, Columbia, SC, https:\/\/rsmenergy.com<\/a> provided the following observation:<\/p>\n

    Paying people to dig ditches then having them fill the ditches again would create jobs but not wealth.\u00a0 Productivity counts when expending resources to produce something. Taking money from prudent people, destroying their ability to support worthwhile economic activity and throwing it at worthless or less productive activity is a typical government ploy to generate political support for new programs.\u00a0 The net result is the destruction of jobs, but the subsidy-supported jobs are seen and counted while the lost jobs are hidden out in the broader economy.
    \nPrograms to create green jobs just to be creating jobs are destroying accumulated wealth while not really reducing air emissions or saving natural resources.\u00a0 The same goes for government and utility energy efficiency programs with their enormous overhead and politically sensitive management.\u00a0 Actions that are economically sensible for individuals are economic disasters when administered by utilities under political direction.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Harriet Lublin<\/strong>, a reader from Atlanta, GA writes:<\/p>\n

    On Thursday. . . the heat ratcheted up on the mainstream media when Tony Bobulinski, who was indubitably a Hunter Biden business associate, made a statement identifying Joe Biden as a secret partner in a deal with a Chinese company that had ties to the communist government and the military.<\/p>\n

    Even worse, Bobulinksi came bearing documents and cell phones, which he proceeded to turn over to the FBI. (Let\u2019s hope that Bobulinksi made copies of everything. The FBI already tried to \u201cdisappear\u201d the hard drive last December, and it may do the same with the new information.)<\/p>\n

    Unless the media were prepared to accuse Tony Bobulinski, a retired Navy veteran of being a Russian asset, his claims were going to be harder to deny. This required a change of plans.<\/p>\n

    Several media outlets decided to do something audacious: They would ignore Bobulinski entirely. If they didn\u2019t say anything, he wouldn\u2019t exist. Thus, as of 11:59 p.m. ET on October 23, these are the search results for Bobulinski\u2019s name at the New York Times, CNN, NPR, and MSNBC:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    An interesting read and video on how multiculturalism has eroded at the foundation of our country.\u00a0 Thanks to Harriett Lublin<\/strong>, a reader from Atlanta, GA for sharing Dr. Klingenstein\u2019s remarks.\u00a0 https:\/\/www.realclearpolitics.com\/video\/2020\/10\/13\/claremont_institute_chairman_thomas_klingenstein_trump_2020_a_man_vs_a_movement.html?fbclid=IwAR26eDEPi1csa3JL3ljftEpPllGJ7YmDvB-HW8YoNInP4tOWeJmhedvUGoM<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Brian Troyer<\/strong>, a reader from Apple Creek, OH offers the following:<\/p>\n

    As the New York Times riles up the Marxist base over President Trump\u2019s taxes, keep in mind that the Times is not actually a news organization. \u00a0This isn\u2019t just my opinion. \u00a0The Times\u2019 Editor, among others, openly said in 2016 that it would not cover candidate or President Trump fairly or objectively. \u00a0It would instead act as a partisan opponent, because he was too dishonest and horrifying for the Times\u2019 staff to treat objectively.<\/p>\n

    Of course, if their accusations about him were true, journalists wouldn\u2019t have to engage in partisanship for their readers to see that. \u00a0That\u2019s journalism 101. \u00a0Reporters report the facts without bias; readers reach their own conclusions.<\/p>\n

    But the Times explicitly and proudly abandoned the first principles of news reporting. \u00a0Consequently, it is appropriate for us to call it what it is\u2014 a partisan propaganda arm of the Democratic Party, and not a news organization. \u00a0We know what they publish is fake news, as the President calls it, because that is precisely what the Times itself has told us. \u00a0It is advocacy in the guise of news. \u00a0The same is true of CNN, NBC, [T]he Washington Post, among others. \u00a0These aren\u2019t news outlets but Biden propaganda mills.<\/p>\n

    [New York Times columnist Jim Rutenberg once remarked that \u201cTrump had to be covered oppositionally,\u201d and Dean Baquet\u2019s subsequent series of interviews proclaimed that Rutenberg had \u201cnailed it,\u201d boasting that he had adopted a new \u201caggressive\u201d stance toward President Trump.\u00a0 He said they had \u201cstopped trying to be fair.\u201d \u2013 Editor]<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rocky Silverman<\/strong>, a reader from Seattle, WA offered the following observation:<\/p>\n

    [The] Democrats and their fellow leftist rioters have effectively shut down the 1st Amendment by the threat of retaliation for supporting the President and the Republican Party. \u00a0Here in Seattle, on my street, there are numerous Biden, BLM signs and not one Trump sign. \u00a0The people who put up Biden signs haven’t a clue that Antifa [and] BLM are the military arm of the Democrat Party. \u00a0They are not in the least concerned so long as the rioters don’t invade their houses in suburbia. \u00a0I fly the American Flag and I have concerns that when things get out of control my home will be targeted.<\/p>\n

    Also from Rocky, here is the root cause analysis of why it is not smart to elect Democrats.\u00a0 https:\/\/www.americanthinker.com\/blog\/2020\/10\/coming_soon_food_desert_blm_shakes_down_seattle_trader_joes_for_a_15_cut.html?fbclid=IwAR2QRtlaIFj0g5om4NqzZ_LnzLUeS-7RFf1daZ34SFMA0Z1zgL6MR6ltDCg#.X5Rf5HBzkG8.facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    John Blackstone<\/strong>, a reader from Monroe, WA shares his observations on the division between the Liberals and Conservatives.<\/p>\n

    This news about Joe Biden and his son is devastating for anyone who is capable of discernment. \u00a0The communications found on Hunter Biden\u2019s computer have now been verified by several legitimate sources. \u00a0It has become very clear that Joe Biden is guilty of corruption on a scale that makes Watergate look like child\u2019s play. \u00a0He is being protected by the establishment; which includes the corrupt Washington DC government (both Democrat and RINO Republicans), and the news and social media.<\/p>\n

    At one time in history this would have been the lead story of every news outlet in our nation. \u00a0But this information is being hidden and censored by people motivated by hatred, greed or both.<\/p>\n

    Joe Biden is part of the crooked Washington DC establishment and he is being protected at all costs. \u00a0Unfortunately our country is filled with citizens who are not able to discern the truth from the lies. \u00a0Or perhaps it is better said that because of 4 straight years of dishonest propaganda about Trump, people are now so full of blind hate they are caught in a state of cognitive dissonance. \u00a0No matter how obvious the truth, they cannot absorb these facts about Biden\u2019s corruption; nor can they accept anything even remotely positive about president Trump. \u00a0For them to do so would require them to completely question everything they have believed and been told by a deceptive media, a corrupt government and even their favorite celebrities.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019ve never seen anything like this phenomenon in my 56 years of life. \u00a0It\u2019s like an episode of the Twilight Zone. \u00a0There are very wonderful people I have known and loved for years that are living in a profound state of hatred, deception and denial. \u00a0And what\u2019s even more troubling is they think the exact same thing about us. \u00a0The propaganda has taken a serious toll on our country. \u00a0It has divided families and friends. \u00a0I can\u2019t help but see that the hatred and anger are coming from those who have been deceived. \u00a0In every case I know; wherever there has been a broken relationship it is the person on the left who is doing the breaking. \u00a0I would NEVER consider ending a relationship with someone who I disagree with on these issues. \u00a0But many people who disagree with me have dropped out of my life. \u00a0Because they don\u2019t just disagree; it appears they have grown to despise me and everything I stand for. \u00a0That tells you all you need to know.<\/p>\n

    The anger and hatred is the final result of cognitive dissonance. \u00a0These people can no longer accept me because I present a threat to their entire world view. \u00a0For me to challenge them about what they believe is an attack on every lie and deception they have allowed themselves to believe; and therefore I have become dangerous to them personally. \u00a0What I am witnessing is nothing short of a form of insanity. \u00a0A mass delusion has crashed over the United States and I have watched so many people I love and admire being swept away in a tidal wave of lies and deception.<\/p>\n

    I know in my heart this is a spiritual battle. \u00a0There is no other way to explain it. \u00a0I do not hesitate to say the people behind this propaganda are either evil or profoundly deceived (or both). \u00a0I see Satan laughing with delight over what is happening. \u00a0If you are a Christian you need to walk the fine line of praying for the \u201cother side\u201d while simultaneously fighting the good fight against this wave of destruction. \u00a0But God\u2019s desire is clear; he wants to see every person come to a saving relationship with Him. \u00a0We must fight this fight but never lose site of the great commission; to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to every person. \u00a0We need to put God\u2019s love on clear display at all times. \u00a0That is God\u2019s highest will. \u00a0We can never forget that, otherwise we become what we have come to despise. \u00a0Seek first the kingdom of God no matter what else happens. \u00a0He will bring justice to this world one day and we who know Jesus will only escape his wrath because of God\u2019s grace and mercy. \u00a0Never forget that; we are only saved because of His mercy.<\/p>\n

    [Jon also provided his hit song \u201cWe\u2019re Not Going Away\u201d which is available at the link below. \u2013 Editor]<\/em><\/p>\n

    https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Mgvg4LM33mw&t=1s&fbclid=IwAR2iZd5fvf6vwIreRqqHEJu_-jZlbZG4X7kYGyta4jxL-FTDPQZVg31fjGU&app=desktop<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Lisa Schiffren<\/strong>, a reader from Bronx, New York City shared the following:<\/p>\n

    All of the violence that we are about to be hit with, is from the LEFT. There is no “white supremacist” organization. Consider that they have left no option for a legitimate Trump win….which is now the likely outcome.<\/p>\n

    And it’s not just the Democratic organized criminal rabble who will believe that the election is stolen. It is very clear that educated, middle and upper middle class liberals, on fire with TDS, have been brainwashed (rather eagerly on their part, to be sure), to believe that a Trump win is impossible. So they will cheer on the violence, while pretending it is “peaceful protest.” Stores that serve urban populations will be looted. Cities are going to burn. We can only hope that the Administration is ready to quash the insurrection.<\/p>\n

    \u201cUprisings, Resistance, and Mass Direct Action\u201d<\/p>\n

    Americans watching videos of Black Bloc activists tearing apart Portland, Seattle, or other cities are seeing the results of thousands of training sessions, budgets in the tens of millions, and a carefully mapped radicalization process as extensive as those used by Islamists or any other ideological on-ramp toward extremism.”<\/p>\n

    [In other words, a civil war. \u2013 Editor]<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Harrison Lapahie<\/strong>, a reader from Shiprock, NM provided us with a list of a few of the effects of Biden\u2019s plans to shut down the oil industry.<\/p>\n

    Biden is ready to shut the oil industry down. \u00a0If that were to happen, the biggest winner would be the Middle East, and America would lose millions of jobs.<\/p>\n

    Here’s a list of a few oil based products that we use every day. \u00a0Anyone know what Biden’s plan would be to replace making these items?<\/p>\n

    Heart valves, medical equipment, fertilizers. carpets, electrical tape and parts, hair dye, roofing materials, solvents, diesel fuel, motor oil, bearing grease, ink, floor wax, ballpoint pens, football cleats, upholstery, sweaters, boats, insecticides, bicycle tires, sports car bodies, nail polish, fishing lures, dresses, tires, golf bags, perfumes, dishwasher parts, tool boxes, shoe polish, nail polish, motorcycle helmets, caulking, petroleum jelly, transparent tape, CD players, faucet washers, antiseptics, clothesline, curtains, food preservatives, basketballs, soap, vitamin capsules, antihistamines,\u00a0 purses, shoes, dashboards, cortisone, deodorant, shoelaces, aglets, putty, panty hose, refrigerant, percolators, life jackets, rubbing alcohol, linings, skis, TV cabinets, electrician\u2019s tape, tool racks, car battery cases, epoxy paint, mops, slacks, insect repellent, oil filters, umbrellas, toilet seats, fishing rods, lipstick, denture adhesive, linoleum, synthetic rubber, speakers, electric blankets, glycerin, tennis rackets, rubber cement, rubber boots, dice, nylon rope, candles, trash bags, paint, water pipes, hand lotion, roller skates, surf boards, shampoo, paint rollers, shower curtains, luggage, aspirin, safety glasses, antifreeze, football helmets, awnings, eyeglasses, clothes, toothbrushes, ice chests, footballs, combs, paint brushes, detergents, vaporizers, balloons, jackets, crayons, parachutes, telephones, pillows, dishes, cameras, anesthetics, artificial turf, artificial limbs, bandages, dentures, model cars, folding doors,\u00a0 hair curlers, cold cream, soft contact lenses, drinking cups, fan belts, shaving cream, ammonia, refrigerators, golf balls, toothpaste, gasoline, ad infinitum.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019d love to hear the plan to replace these items. Thanks to David Greiner for sharing this post.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Kenny White<\/strong>, from Redlands, CA and host of the Southside Unicorn Show shared the following thoughts:<\/p>\n

    Nothing worthwhile comes without sacrifice. \u00a0Our beloved America holds her breath in these waning eleven days [ahead] of a seminal General Election; America and our President are counting on us.\u00a0 Here we are, an American former Vice President has by his actions created an optic of “Real Russian Collusion” while persecuting one of our most Patriotic Presidents we have ever had.<\/p>\n

    Our fight to save our country doesn’t end or begin with 03, November, 2020.\u00a0 These are just milestones.\u00a0 The left is intractable; this culmination of evil was 60 years in the making, using minorities as cannon fodder. \u00a0They won’t stop; their victory so close all that stands between them and their terrible goal is the fire that must burn in the hearts of all Americans and our willingness to sacrifice all for our families, friends and country.\u00a0 The battle ends when the fire in our hearts goes out.<\/p>\n

    [To view Kenny\u2019s podcasts search <\/em>\u201cKen White SouthSide Unicorn Show.\u201d \u2013 Editor.]<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Which of your rights would you be willing to give up so those around you wouldn\u2019t feel \u201cuncomfortable?\u201d<\/p>\n

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     <\/p>\n

    LEGISLATIVE REPORT<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Legislative Report provides information on some of the more remarkable bills that have been introduced in Congress.\u00a0 Its purpose is to provide the reader with information about pending legislation that may prompt the reader to contact their representatives to express their views. <\/em><\/p>\n

    In the Legislative Report, you will see markers <\/em>+<\/strong> and <\/em>+<\/strong> on certain bills.\u00a0 The red icon is placed to encourage the reader to contact their representatives and ask them to vote <\/em>against the legislation.\u00a0 On bills marked with the green icon, the reader is encouraged to contact their elected representatives and encourage them to <\/em>support the legislation. <\/em>\u00a0The reader is always encouraged to keep informed about all legislation so they may be aware of bills that effect our lives.\u00a0 Decide today that you will make your voice heard.\u00a0 If you remain silent, your representatives will never know your thoughts! \u2013 Editor <\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> S 4490 & HR 8020<\/strong> Make Billionaires Pay Act<\/u> (Sanders, I-VT and Omar, D-MN).\u00a0 This bill would impose a 60% \u201cWealth Tax\u201d on all monies earned during the Wuhan virus pandemic on persons whose net wealth is $1 billion, or more, beginning on 18 March and running through 31 December of 2020.\u00a0 The money would be used to reimburse Americans for their out-of-pocket healthcare costs.\u00a0 As written<\/em><\/strong>, this tax rate would be in effect for only one year, but we all know how temporary measures have so often become permanent.\u00a0 You see, to those who \u201crepresent us\u201d tax revenues are akin to an addictive drug; the more our government gets, the more it wants.<\/p>\n

    Sponsors of the bill claim it would raise $421.7 Million in new revenues but the Congressional Budget Office has not yet provided its analysis.<\/p>\n

    In a press release relative to the bill, Rep. Omar stated \u201cit\u2019s shameful that billionaires profit off the suffering of working families as the pandemic ravages the economy and kills thousands of Americans every day.\u00a0 For far too long, the richest 0.001% of Americans have avoided paying their fair share in taxes.\u00a0 This bill will go a long way towards addressing our nation\u2019s massive wealth inequality and finally guaranteeing healthcare as a human right.\u201d<\/p>\n

    In a separate press release, Bernie Sanders stated \u201cat a time of enormous economic pain and suffering, we have a fundamental choice to make.\u00a0 We can continue to allow the rich to get much richer while everyone else gets poorer and poorer.\u00a0 The legislation I am introducing today will tax the obscene wealth gains billionaires have made during this extraordinary crisis to guarantee healthcare as a right to all for an entire year.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The Constitution requires<\/a> that any \u201cdirect taxes\u201d be apportion by state population, which this bill would not accomplish.\u00a0 The bill, as written, provides little-to-no oversight or restrictions on how the revenues are to be utilized and an extremely loose definition on who may qualify for disbursements and how much those disbursements might be.\u00a0 Finally, the very nature of a \u201cwealth tax\u201d is a disincentive to the entrepreneur who, through hard work, seeks to better their position in achieving the American Dream.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> HR 8132<\/strong> American COMPETE Act<\/u> (Rodgers, R-WA, ~38 pages).\u00a0 This bill may also be cited as the \u201cAmerican Competitiveness Of a More Productive Emerging Tech Economy Act.\u201d\u00a0 The legislation would, if passed, require the Federal Trade Commission and the Secretary of Commerce to conduct studies and submit reports on the impact of artificial intelligence and other technologies on United States businesses conducting interstate commerce, and for other purposes.<\/p>\n

    This bill seems well-intentioned but is troubling for two major reasons:\u00a0 It lacks specificity as to the realm of topics that are to be studied, and; it reads as though it were written by a college Freshman enrolled in Political Science 101.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> HR 8124<\/strong> Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2020<\/u> (Jeffries, D-NY, 1 page).<\/p>\n

    This bill would amend Title 18, United States Code, to change the determination process as to whether a defendant is unable to provide for transportation and subsistence by eliminating the necessity of the defendant to prove they cannot afford to provide their own transportation to and from the court, and the meals they may eat while the court is in session, and leave that decision to the volition of the presiding Judge.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    HR 7496<\/strong> COVID PREPARE Act<\/u> (Schneider, D-IL, 2 pages).\u00a0 This Act may be cited as the\u00a0COVID Preparedness, Response, and Effective Planning for Advanced Requirements by the Executive Branch Act of 2020\u00a0or the\u00a0COVID PREPARE Act of 2020.\u00a0 This bill would require Federal agencies to submit plans for responding to any resurgence of COVID\u201319, and for other purposes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> HR 8337<\/strong> Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021<\/u> (Lowey, D-NY, 144 pages), which adds to the proposed $4.2 Trillion in new spending contained in her previous 104 page bill HR 3819.\u00a0 Among other items, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 incorporates the full text of numerous other bills, e.g. HR 1865 (Pascrell, D-NJ, 715 pages), which itself proposes $700+ Billion in new spending.<\/p>\n

    The bill was passed in the House of Representatives, and forwarded to the Senate where it passed by a vote of 84\/10.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    HR 4447<\/strong> Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019<\/u> (O\u2019Halleran, D-AZ, 5 pages).\u00a0 This bill would fund the establishment an energy storage and micro-grid operators, provide them with technical assistance through a dedicated program, then ultimately, force public utilities to erect utility lines to the micro-grid sources, purchase energy produced by micro-grids, distribute energy produced by the micro-grids, and pay them accordingly.\u00a0 \u201cRenewable energy\u201d is defined in Title 7 US Code 918 c (a), and includes wind, ocean waves, biomass, solar, landfill gas, incremental hydropower, livestock methane, and geothermal energy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> HR 5068<\/strong> Women Who Worked on the Homefront World War II Memorial Act<\/u> (Holmes-Norton, D-DC, 1 page).\u00a0 This bill authorizes the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.\u00a0 The establishment of the commemorative work under this section shall be in accordance with chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code (commonly known as the\u00a0Commemorative Works Act).\u00a0 Federal funds may not be used to pay any expense of the establishment of the commemorative work under this section.\u00a0 The Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation shall be solely responsible for acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> HR 4996<\/strong> Helping MOMS Act of 2020<\/u> (Kelly, D-IL, 12 pages). \u00a0This bill would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for a State option under the Medicaid program to provide for, and extend continuous coverage for, pregnant and post-partum women from 60 days to one year.\u00a0 The services would be provided by persons known as \u201cDoulas,\u201d a Greek word meaning \u201cservant woman.\u201d\u00a0 Doulas would be paid an average wage of $1200 per month (ranging from $800 – $2500), to provide ante- and post-partum care.<\/p>\n

    Since there are no professional requirements that doulas must have specific training of any kind, it is left up to the State government to determine who is qualified to serve as a doula.<\/p>\n

    This bill is fraught with problems, however; on 29 September the passed on a voice vote and has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> S 4774<\/strong> Air Carrier Worker Support Extension Act of 2020<\/u> (Wicker, R-MI, 16 pages).\u00a0 This bill provides support for air carrier workers, and other purposes.\u00a0 Given that this bill relieves air carrier workers from having to file for unemployment \u2013 the way the rest of Americans whose jobs have been lost or suspended because of the Wuhan virus \u2013 and that it provides relief to companies engaged in the air carrier business, this bill is an action on the part of Federal government to pick winners and losers!\u00a0 Following are the details on how much the American taxpayers would be obligated to give to the air carrier industry: \u00a0$28,900,000,000 in new spending (Section 3 (a) and (b)), plus a transfer of unobligated funds from the CARES Act of $28,800,000,000 (Section 11 (a) and (b), for a total of $57,700,000,000.\u00a0 (Fifty-seven billion, seven hundred million dollars!)<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    +<\/strong> S4653<\/strong> A bill to protect the healthcare of hundreds of millions of people of the United States and prevent efforts of the Department of Justice to advocate courts to strike down the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act<\/u> (Schumer, D-NY, 4 pages). This bill is provisionally dead due to a failed vote for cloture on October 1, 2020.\u00a0 HURRAH!<\/strong> \u00a0Cloture is required to move past a Senate filibuster or the threat of a filibuster and takes a 3\/5ths vote. In practice, most bills must pass cloture to move forward in the Senate.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    So, you\u2019ve heard about \u201cThe 100 Year Marathon\u201d but didn\u2019t know what it meant; here\u2019s an informative video but the book is better.<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=u-QRVYVg50g<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    LAGNIAPPE<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Seeds of Tyranny in America Have Been Sown<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As a student in elementary, junior high, high school, and college I never really enjoyed history classes; the teachers and professors, it seemed, were all hung up on testing students\u2019 recall of specific dates for when notable historical events occurred, and lax on teaching the true meanings of those events.\u00a0 None of those instructors took the time to explain to their students \u201cwhat it all meant,\u201d (nor did they urge the students to find out on their own), which is why it is necessary for us to study history in the first place.<\/p>\n

    Somewhere along the line though I learned to appreciate the study of history; I think it must have been when I came to realize analyzing the mistakes of the past could keep people from repeating those mistakes in the future.\u00a0 It was later when I learned analyzing the successes<\/em> of the past would enable a person, a city, a state, a nation, and the world at large to improve on those successes \u2013 to rise higher, farther, and faster than those who came before us.<\/p>\n

    Basically, I\u2019ve come to think if we do what has proven to be successful in the past (eliminating the attendant errors and utilizing the latest technological advances to more expediently and economically achieve the desired outcomes), it will prove to be successful in the present.<\/p>\n

    When all is said and done, I think it is more important to understand \u2013 and thus avoid \u2013 the mistakes of the past because, in doing so, we develop a natural<\/em> inclination \u2013 a logically derived instinct if you will \u2013 to do whatever the opposite of making a mistake<\/em> \u00a0might be.\u00a0 As incredible as it may seem though, when we look at those mistakes of the past we see people in today\u2019s age who are absolutely gung-ho on making those same mistakes again.<\/p>\n

    As Albert Einstein taught us, doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result is the definition of stupidity!<\/p>\n

    To be fair, I don\u2019t think<\/em> anyone who has ever established a country or a kingdom set out to create failure; I think every kingdom and country was founded with a sincere desire to create what the founder(s) envisioned as an eternal \u201cUtopia.\u201d\u00a0 Most certainly, this is what our Founding Fathers had in mind when they engraved the words \u201cNovus Ordo Seclorum\u201d \u2013 a new order for the ages (is created) \u2013 as the motto of the United States.<\/p>\n

    In reading various historical accounts of those kingdoms and countries that have been relegated to the dustbin of failures, one may gain some insight as to the many ways a failure can be created, but none of those kingdoms and countries failed for only one<\/em> reason.<\/p>\n

    A few of the kingdoms and countries I\u2019ve examined (to greater or lesser extents) include Sumer, Rome, Greece, The Ottoman Empire, Russia, France, England, Venezuela, Uganda, Mexico, and the United States.\u00a0 All these countries and kingdoms seemed to have achieved the pinnacles of their existence, and enjoyed their greatest strength, when the attributes of their unique culture (language, art, and lifestyle), individual liberties (protected by a strong and consistent legal system), infrastructure, and free trade and commerce were strongest, and<\/em> during those times when governmental oppression, taxation, and both internal and external conflicts were at their minimums.\u00a0 These traits could rightfully be called \u201crudimentary strengths.\u201d<\/p>\n

    So, what are<\/em> those mistakes being made over and over?\u00a0 Here are a few I particularly recall.\u00a0 Perhaps you can think of others and, if you\u2019d care to do so, I would invite you to share them with your fellow readers and friends.<\/p>\n

    Some historians opine the reason why some kingdoms and countries failed could be blamed solely on disease and famine.\u00a0 While it is true that disease and famine weaken<\/em> a country or kingdom as they cause severe human suffering, a country that has those rudimentary strengths mentioned above often overcomes the worst of such challenges and, in doing so, emerges ever stronger as they make adjustments to prevent such devastations in the future.<\/p>\n

    War, however, has been a different matter, especially if a state of war is protracted.\u00a0 This is why, 1,400 years ago, a Chinese philosopher and general by the name of Sun Tzu taught that any<\/em> war should be avoided but if a war must be fought, the conflict should be resolved in the shortest time possible.<\/p>\n

    When we think of protracted wars, the \u201cHundred Years War\u201d (1337-1453) certainly comes to mind but think; how many years has the United States been mired in a continuous state of war somewhere on Earth?!\u00a0 In fact, if we think about it, the last two wars \u2013 Vietnam and the Middle East \u2013 were fought against what could rightfully be described as third rate military powers, and the U.S. entered those wars with no clear vision of what \u201cvictory\u201d would look like.\u00a0 With the right leadership and determination to achieve victory, those wars (which were anything but \u201cnecessary and righteous\u201d), could easily have been won by the U.S. military in a matter of weeks.<\/p>\n

    Recalling the end of the war in Vietnam, and taking into consideration the war in the Middle East that President Trump is fighting against the Pentagon to end, would we say our country is better<\/em>– or worse off<\/em> as a result of those conflicts?\u00a0 Are we richer or freer or more secure because those wars were fought and because so many Americans gave their lives and endured unspeakable horror and suffering to wage those wars?<\/p>\n

    Along with war, a fairly narrow sequence of other events have caused the collapse of notable kingdoms and countries; there are repetitive patterns among every such kingdom and country one may examine.\u00a0 It begins with the way the ruling class treats the commoners.<\/p>\n

    It is human nature that each rational individual desires to be treated fairly and equitably, and to reciprocate in kind.\u00a0 Even though some people may be inclined to whine and complain about \u201ctough times\u201d the individual is ultimately willing to engage in the struggle if<\/em> they are assured that everyone else is feeling what they feel and is struggling, too.\u00a0 Recalling the stories we\u2019ve heard from our parents and grandparents, those were the days when all Americans unified against a common enemy. \u00a0It is, and has been, those \u201ctough times\u201d that have done more to unify a nation than have the times of prosperity.\u00a0 But, when the commoners come to realize the ruling class is making beneficial allowances to improve conditions for themselves and their friends that they become disgruntled.<\/p>\n

    Anarchy and revolution are born of social- and judicial inequities.\u00a0 Disparity in the justice system is where the seeds of anarchy are sown.\u00a0 As the ruling class first begins to \u201cbend the rules\u201d to favor themselves and their friends, social unrest begins but this root cause of what is to eventually happen is only recognized in hindsight.\u00a0 Eventually, the ruling class begin to blatantly break their own laws with impunity and soon the country\u2019s or kingdom\u2019s system of justice is fully debauched.\u00a0 The commoners\u2019 complaints fall on deaf ears.<\/p>\n

    The byproduct of a two-tiered justice system \u2013 the \u201cdo as I say and not as I do\u201d attitude assumed by the ruling class \u2013 has, historically, done more to increase the crime rate than any other single event.\u00a0 The collapse of the justice system gains notice with the rise of looting, which causes the ruling class to dispatch those whose duty it is to enforce the laws, which then escalates into rioting.<\/p>\n

    At some point, the law-abiding commoners \u2013 small business owners, property owners, and those who just want to quietly go about earning their meager living \u2013 plead for relief.\u00a0 It is in this phase where the ruling class comes to realize the negative economic impact and, in order to restore the continuation of its economy \u2013 agricultural and manufacturing, the resumption of infrastructure projects, commerce, and trade \u2013 the ruling class responds with some version of Martial Law.<\/p>\n

    One of two things happen when the clampdown is fully enforced:\u00a0 an immediate and all out revolution, or; total (although temporary) submission on the part of the commoners, which is then followed by a total overthrow of the ruling class.<\/p>\n

    At some point amid the anarchy and revolution the next \u201cHero of the People\u201d emerges and though that \u201cHero\u201d may be (figuratively) carried on the shoulders of the commoners to the vacated throne, those commoners sadly, and most often very soon, come to realize they have embraced their next tyrant(s).\u00a0 We have read how this scenario played out during the Bolshevik Revolution, and also the overthrow of Kaiser and the Weimar Republic, which brought Hitler to power.<\/p>\n

    Along the way, the rise of the new tyrant(s) is coupled with the final destruction of culture, language, traditions, morality, and ethics; when these attributes have been lost, no country or kingdom of which I\u2019ve read has regained its prowess and its original values.<\/p>\n

    The best object of study we have today in the way of comparisons with the countries mentioned in the paragraph above is Venezuela.<\/p>\n

    As you may recall or have read, Juan Vincente Gomez was overthrown in 1958, about the same time as the oil industry became established in Venezuela.\u00a0 Following the revolution a somewhat<\/em> democratic government (known as the Puntofijista<\/em>), was established.\u00a0 Although something mildly resembling a caste system, it continued to exist; the \u201cHispanicized\u201d citizens (white ruling class) enjoyed more of the benefits of an oil-rich society than did the tribal citizens, but because of the enormous returns on oil production, the \u201cbrown\u201d non-Hispanics were permitted to seek education, own properties, start businesses, and to enrich themselves through petroleum-related enterprises.<\/p>\n

    Less than thirty years ago, Venezuela had the fourth largest economy in the western hemisphere.\u00a0 To attest to the economic stature of Venezuela, in the 1980s, Caracas boasted having more French restaurants than New York City!<\/p>\n

    But the ruling class (and government bureaucrats \u2013 both \u201cwhite\u201d and \u201cbrown\u201d), flaunted their power by ignoring the laws that the working class were forced to obey or suffer severe punishment.\u00a0 When the commoners tried to adopt a similar disregard for the laws that the ruling class blatantly ignored (mostly through higher taxation and strict regulations), the government clamped down.\u00a0 The commoners retaliated with escalated forms of mischief \u2013 \u201canarchy light\u201d if you will \u2013 which caused the ruling class to clamp down even tighter.<\/p>\n

    The Middle Class, which included the technocrats who provided essential services to the ruling class, complained and pleaded vociferously with their government to quell the rioting and looting, and finally Martial Law was declared.\u00a0 This resulted in a revolution by the commoners that brought Hugo Chavez and his \u201cFifth Republic Movement\u201d (The United Socialist Party of Venezuela) to power around 1999.<\/p>\n

    Hope in the souls of the Venezuelan people was soon dashed when they realized Chavez\u2019s promises of a socialist utopia were unworkable and doomed to failure but, by then, Chavez and his cronies had their fists clamped around the throats of the Venezuelan people.<\/p>\n

    When the price of oil plummeted, the Venezuelan government began to borrow money to stabilize the regime.\u00a0 They could not borrow enough money and the lack of revenue brought on infrastructure failure and agricultural shortages.\u00a0 Another coup ensued and Nicolas Maduro \u2013 a bus driver and rock musician \u2013 rose to power.<\/p>\n

    Today, the commoners in Venezuela are starving, resorting to eating dogs and cats and zoo animals for protein, and dying from normally curable diseases and medical conditions on the streets of those once-bustling and brightly lighted cities.<\/p>\n

    What we are seeing today is not a phenomenon that has suddenly become visible to us:\u00a0 In ~1961, Ayn Rand\u2019s essay For the New Intellectual<\/em> gave us the signs of how to recognize when a nation or a kingdom was beginning to crumble and a tyrant was about to emerge:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd, paving the way for Attila, the intellectuals are still repeating, not by conviction any longer, but by rote, that the growth of government power is not an abridgement of freedom \u2013 that the demand of one group for an unearned share of another groups\u2019 income is not socialism \u2013 that the destruction of property rights will not affect any other rights \u2013 that man\u2019s mind, intelligence, creative ability are a \u2018national resource\u2019. . . to be taken over, subsidized and disposed of by the government \u2013 that business men are selfish autocrats because they are struggling to preserve freedom, while the \u2018liberals\u2019 are the true champions of liberty because they are fighting for more government controls \u2013 that the fact that we are sliding down a road which has destroyed every other country, does not prove that it will destroy ours \u2013 that dictatorship is not<\/em> dictatorship if nobody calls it by that abstract<\/em> name \u2013 and that none of us can help it, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As you observe the goings on of life in America today, does any of this sound familiar?\u00a0 Are you up to working to restore the values held by our Founding Fathers?\u00a0 I would like to believe \u201cAmerica\u201d can still be restored to its former greatness but it won\u2019t happen unless we all put our shoulders to the wheel.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    CONTACT YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TODAY!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Regardless of where you live you can find your elected representatives at any level of government by visiting the following link.\u00a0 Remember:\u00a0 While they might be fairly bright, none of them can read your mind so it is your duty as a citizen to express your thoughts (and to urge all your friends and family and like-minded folks to do the same!<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/www.usa.gov\/elected-officials<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s a handy guide especially for Tennesseans:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    President Donald Trump<\/p>\n

    The White House<\/p>\n

    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue<\/p>\n

    Washington D.C. 20500<\/p>\n

    Phone:\u00a0 (202) 456-1414<\/p>\n

    Fax:\u00a0 (202) 456-2461<\/p>\n

    e-mail<\/p>\n

    http:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

    president@whitehouse.gov<\/a><\/td>\n

    		U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander<\/p>\n

    455 Dirksen Senate Office Building<\/p>\n

    Room 40 \u2013 Suite 2<\/p>\n

    Washington D.C. 20510<\/p>\n

    Phone:\u00a0 (202) 244-4944<\/p>\n

    Fax:\u00a0 (202) 228-3398<\/p>\n

    e-mail<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/www.alexander.senate.gov\/public\/index.cfm\/email<\/a><\/p>\n

    http:\/\/www.alexander.senate.gov<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn<\/p>\n

    357 Dirksen Senate Office Building<\/p>\n

    Washington, DC 20510<\/p>\n

    Phone:\u00a0 (202) 224-3344<\/p>\n

    Fax:\u00a0 (202) 228-0566<\/p>\n

    To contact visit website:<\/p>\n

    www.blackburn.senate.gov<\/a><\/td>\n

    		U.S Representative Dr. Scott DesJarlais<\/p>\n

    2301 Rayburn HOB<\/p>\n

    Washington, DC 20515<\/p>\n

    Phone:\u00a0 (202) 225-6831<\/p>\n

    Fax:\u00a0 (202) 226-5172<\/p>\n

    e-mail<\/p>\n

    http:\/\/desjarlais.house.gov<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Governor Bill Lee<\/p>\n

    Tennessee State Capitol<\/p>\n

    Nashville, Tennessee 37243<\/p>\n

    Phone:\u00a0 (615) 741-2001<\/p>\n

    Fax:\u00a0 (615) 532-9711<\/p>\n

    e-mail<\/p>\n

    http:\/\/www.state.tn.us\/governor<\/a><\/td>\n

    		Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/www.speaker.gov\/contact<\/a><\/p>\n

    Link above provides all methods of contact.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader<\/p>\n

    https:\/\/www.mcconnell.senate.gov\/public\/index.cfm?p=contact<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    State Representative Ron Travis<\/p>\n

    301 Sixth Avenue North<\/p>\n

    Suite G-3<\/p>\n

    War Memorial Building<\/p>\n

    Nashville, Tennessee 37243<\/p>\n

    Phone:\u00a0 (615) 741-1450<\/p>\n

    Rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/td>\n

    		State Senator Ken Yager<\/p>\n

    301 Sixth Avenue North<\/p>\n

    Suite G-19<\/p>\n

    War Memorial Building<\/p>\n

    Nashville, Tennessee 37243<\/p>\n

    Phone:\u00a0 (615) 741-1449<\/p>\n

    Fax:\u00a0 (615) 253-0237<\/p>\n

    sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN ADVANCING THE CONSERVATIVE CAUSE Vol. 4 \u2013 No. 9\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":291,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"cc_featured_image_caption":{"caption_text":"","source_text":"","source_url":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/713"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=713"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":714,"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/713\/revisions\/714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}