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TriTorch's avatar

Every Day a Clean Slate, By Isn't There More?

While I was teaching high school, I noticed something curious in my students. Sometimes I would have to discipline a student strongly, most of the time in class in front of the other students. This was never pleasant for me, and certainly not for the student. The kids could really push my buttons at times, and I pushed back firmly to let them know where the boundaries were.

Occasionally, a student would come to me after class and apologize. But most of the time they went on about their day without saying anything.

The next day, I would see a student I had disciplined the day before, and I would greet them with a smile and ‘good morning!’ Invariably, the student looked at me cautiously, as if they expected me to hold a grudge. But I was intentional about not doing that, just to start fresh each day with a clean slate. (I expect most of them were familiar with grudge-holding from home life.)

That simple act helped keep the lines of communication open with the rowdy students. When I started teaching, I never considered how I would respond the day after a discipline event, it just seemed the right thing to do. I’m no genius, but just stumbled into this practice. And it worked.

I realized after a few months teaching that the Lord has done the same thing to me, over and over and over. Every day is new, a clean slate, with him smiling at me. And I expect a grudge, but never find one. Maybe that’s what prompted me to do a reset at the start of each school day.

Are you sensing the Lord’s forgiveness resets, daily, hourly, or by the minute? Do you see him smiling at you? Do you see the clean slate he gives you every morning? Are you giving others in your life the same consideration?

Source: https://substack.com/@simpleservice/note/c-188388448

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Deb's avatar

Thank you for the reminder that each of us reading your comment this morning has been given the gift of breath. We should share this gift of His love and grace freely with others just as He has with us.

Merry Christmas!

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Beth's avatar

For 40+ years I have started each day with my Gratitude's.

The night before I turned 30, I was in a panic. I was depressed, hated my body and my life. I looked in the mirror and swore that in one year I would love that person again.

Sat down with a glass of Scotch, a cigarette, and some "intellectual" reading. Cosmo Mag... Lol

First story that stood out was headlined, "Cigarette Smoking Ages You!" Giant font across two pages...

It stopped me in my tracks. I went on to read that not only does cigarette smoke lay on your skin and destroys collagen, hard liquors, like the one I held in my hand, also contributed to aging.

Up to that point, no one had been able to get me to stop either bad habit. I put out the cigarette, poured the scotch down the sink, and walked around the house gathering all the paraphernalia needed for both of these vices.

I put them in a giant black trash bag and took it out to the curb. To insure I wouldn't waiver, I stomped on the bag. Making sure nothing in there was retrievable later when my resolved weakened.

It was then that I started on a long journey towards health. I stopped all the big pharma skin care regimes that actually aged ME. Stopped drinking and smoking. Began to eat healthier. Exercised everyday. And that included in the morning before I got out of bed. I would do a series of stretching exercises.

And, in an inspirational move, that I'm now convinced came directly from above, I just started to list 10 things I was grateful for. I didn't understand the science at the time. But I noticed I felt so much better, that it was easy to keep going.

At first it was simple: thank you that I woke up this morning. Thank you for indoor plumbing. Thank you for paved roads...

45 years later, it just comes naturally. And even now when I'm driving along the road I will just start listing my Gratitude's. It's amazing how quickly that changes your mood. It's a wonderful recipe for ending road rage. Not only do I give myself more grace now, I'm able to give it to other people who frustrate me.

So there's your Christmas gift. Have a blessed Christmas everyone, and find Grace wherever you go. Most people are suffering from a lack of it. The least we can do share a little bit of our own.

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rolandttg's avatar

Lack of gratitude is what killed our only child. We have since found gratitude, and real health as you have, and it has changed our lives. I used to think integrity was the most important attribute anyone can have. Now I believe it is gratitude.

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TriTorch's avatar

Interesting Roland... might have to append that here: https://tritorch.substack.com/p/dancing-doctors-unclean-lies-unchained

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rolandttg's avatar

Great article and wonderful videos. it took me a minute to realize "hey, I wrote that, or almost that". Also wonderful advise about a normie having to want to be woken up or you are truly wasting your time.

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Truth Seeker's avatar

Have considered these exact questions for decades. Fairly certain its not which is the most important value issue, as there are several strong contenders. At one interval one appears dominant.

Have every reason to REAL EYES that suffering has to do with false beliefs,

of which there are hundreds.

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Ruth H's avatar

Thank you Beth for sharing your story and your gratitude, which I’m sure many take for granted but you have reminded us to give thanks. ❤️🙏

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The Shepherd knows's avatar

His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. Lamentations 3. ☺️❤️

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David Nelson's avatar

Wow, Beth! ANOTHER gift I didn't imagine I needed! And I can use it right away! Merry Christmas!

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Truth Seeker's avatar

Reprieves are exactly as you describe. Instead of refusing the delivered information, you immediately paid heed. Well done.

Grattitude is healing. One can either listen or ignore.

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Robin Esau's avatar

Yes, and amen! THIS is one of several things that definitely should set believers apart. We must be always mindful to pass on to others the grace and forgiveness God gives us.

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Karmy's avatar

As is stated in the Lord’s Prayer ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’.

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Roger Beal's avatar

No offense or sarcasm intended ... I knew you had to be a person of faith when I first espied your family name!

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Dr Linda's avatar

Thank you, I appreciate your comments & thoughts

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TriTorch's avatar

Thank you doctor, the feeling is mutual

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M. Patrick McCrary's avatar

Well done. As Lamentations 3:23 says, "His mercies are new every morning."

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Alan Devincentis's avatar

I need it by the minute, Tri.

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TriTorch's avatar

Agree Alan. Heck, I'd sign up for it by the second, if i thought I could get it - I could certainly use it. But I count myself eternally grateful for being blessed with a fresh start each new sunrise. That is quite the gift.

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Sharon Beautiful Evening's avatar

Oh what a wonder...that Jesus loves US - out of the plunder of our selfish lives, He plucks us, heart, mind and soul - into a NEW LIFE of forgiveness, mercy, grace and unbounded, agape love! This is the TRUE GIFT of commemorating His coming to our fallen 'orb' in the form of a human infant!! "Holi"days are supposed to be HOLY - especially the one we are about to celebrate. I am exultant that Trump 2.0 is returning CHRIST to Christmas, not only to our nation's capital - but to the world consciousness.

JEHOVAH JIREH!!

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Sir Jeff Morency, Ph.D.'s avatar

CHRIST was never in Christmas. December 25 is the pagan celebration of Saturnalia, the honoring of the pagan god, Saturn, and the Winter Solstice. Here is an account of the birth of CHRIST from angels who witnessed the event as recorded in the Urantia Book:

The inn was overcrowded, and Joseph accordingly sought lodgings with distant relatives, but every room in Bethlehem was filled to overflowing. On returning to the courtyard of the inn, he was informed that the caravan stables, hewn out of the side of the rock and situated just below the inn, had been cleared of animals and cleaned up for the reception of lodgers. Leaving the donkey in the courtyard, Joseph shouldered their bags of clothing and provisions and with Mary descended the stone steps to their lodgings below. They found themselves located in what had been a grain storage room to the front of the stalls and mangers. Tent curtains had been hung, and they counted themselves fortunate to have such comfortable quarters.122:7.8 Joseph had thought to go out at once and enroll, but Mary was weary; she was considerably distressed and besought him to remain by her side, which he did . All that night Mary was restless so that neither of them slept much. By the break of day the pangs of childbirth were well in evidence, and at noon, August 21, 7 B.C., with the help and kind ministrations of women fellow travelers, Mary was delivered of a male child, Yashuah (Jesus) of Nazareth 

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Lori's avatar

As long as we love, respect and know He is our Savior, I am not getting hung up on days. Interesting info though. Blessed Christmas to you Sir Jeff whether this past August or in 2 days. Cheers.

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CStone's avatar

I don’t understand the concept of mercy……we, as humans, would have NEVER even considered such a thing!!!!

Judgement comes, but Mercy always rides along with……and Mercy wins, every time.

What a wonder. “His mercies are new every morning.”

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Bard Joseph's avatar

I used to us the expression from the film "Sixth Sense" 'I didn't know you weren't funny'. They loved it. Some times I would have everyone raise their hand to take him to the guidance office and say "That cant feel good that no one wants you here." Never raised my voice or acted angry. Kids like that.

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LMWC's avatar

❤️ this so much. Amen.

PS the timing was perfect as we may be facing some major health decisions in the next weeks.

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rolandttg's avatar

Whatever you decide, remember you and only you are in charge of your health. I have learned so much about the Rockefeller medical murder mafia in the past 4 years I am absolutely convinced the less you see a doctor, the better off you will be. Unless you have a traumatic wound, or a few other exceptions, figure it out yourself. So much easier these days with the internet. White coat syndrome is the biggest killer in this country. Not exaggerating at all/

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Matt L.'s avatar

We really don’t know the full scope (yet) of widespread use of experimental mRNA jabs on so many. But looks like micro clots.

Similar, we don’t yet understand the negative impact of these weight loss pills. But to me, paralyzing your stomach isn’t a good thing and small print says you must take the pills for life.

My BIL is a gastro PA and reminded me that a great deal of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Do these weight loss pills curb serotonin production? If so, does this mean a rise in SSRI use by Ozempic ‘patients’?

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Lori's avatar

These weight loss oral tabs/injections will turn out to be a shitshow. There is no free lunch with big harma and as the old adage states," If it looks to good to be true, it usually is."

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rolandttg's avatar

I bit my tongue on this one. My one line take.? If you think you can take a pill (for the rest of your life) to get rid of fat acquired from years of poor eating decisions, then you may as well just get jabbed and do it quicker.

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Lori's avatar

agreed.

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Matt L.'s avatar

Big Food & Big Pharma gonna get all of us ;)

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rolandttg's avatar

Not if we don't let them. Information is power. The dipshit libs use "Resist " as their rallying cry, but the hapless clowns don't even know what they are resisting, unless. you count "everything Trump does". I do, and I will. And so should everyone.

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Essay33's avatar

Praying for your peace of mind and God's guidance.

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LMWC's avatar

Thank you!

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RunningLogic's avatar

Praying for you!! 🙏

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LMWC's avatar

Thank you!

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Karmy's avatar

🙏🙏🙏

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Jamison's avatar

🙏🙏🙏

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Karen Bandy's avatar

I taught junior high school art right out of college for three years. The kids couldn’t figure out why I didn’t get mad at them when they spilled something or made a mess of something, it just didn’t bother me like it bothered their parents.

But what bothered me was roundy behavior or the time some 9th grade boys rolled fire crackers into their coil pots! Thankfully someone tattled on them, I got fired up (pardon the pun) and even tried to get the principal to get the fire marshal out to speak to them. It warranted seriousness.

Carter’s recession ended that gig thankfully as I changed careers for the better, for me.

I did love those kids though, even the firecracker boys.

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Lori's avatar

What is a coil pot Karen?

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Karen Bandy's avatar

It’s a technique where you roll out snakes of clay and build up a pot from there. Coiling the snakes around. You mostly smooth them out after coiling, but not always.

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kittynana's avatar

@Karen- I remember making those

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Karen Bandy's avatar

They’re fun! Really an ancient technique.

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kittynana's avatar

@ Karen- I'm jealous of artists. I can't handle clay, can't draw a stick figure right.

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Lori's avatar

TY but what are the firecrackers and coils about? I just don't get it?? Sorry to be so obtuse.

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Karen Bandy's avatar

Firecrackers are max two inches long and skinny, people light them on fire on the fourth of July. they rolled them in the coils hoping to blow up their pots during firing. They didn’t think it might blow up the kiln and light the school on fire!

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Chris's avatar

Grace poured out upon us, leads to joy within us and rejoicing back to the Father. He is the source of never ending joy. Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!!

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Jamison's avatar

His mercies are new every morning! Hallelujah!

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Synickel's avatar

Nice thoughts, but I guess I would ask how this relates to the C&C article?

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TriTorch's avatar

Fair question. From the summary:

"despite progressives’ best efforts— still celebrates the virgin birth of the god-man, Jesus Christ."

Jesus is Lord who was sent and bled and died in order to pay the price to forgive us for our sins. Each day is a promise of a new start.

Best to you and yours this Christmas, Synickel. I hope it is filled with love and joy.

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Jamison's avatar

Well-done!

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Juju's avatar

😉❤️

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Cornishrexlover's avatar

Thank you for sharing this piece of wisdom from the Lord. I’m going to definitely give more consideration to how I handle forgiveness & also those “difficult” conversations.

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SteelJ's avatar
6hEdited

I applaud you for this common-sense, charitable, and effective approach to your students. I would add the caveat that context matters. It was your job to help the students, and their behavior was not directed at hurting you. Your approach is also the best one between people who genuinely wish the best for each other, as in a functional marriage and family, or between real friends. It does not carry over well to the larger society. For example, in the COVID years, people showed their true colors. They are either tyrants themselves, or side with tyrants, or can't see obvious scams. They'll do the same thing next time. I for one am not forgetting and forgiving. They'll do exactly the same thing to us next time. It's better to be ready than to be surprised when they act true to form.

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TriTorch's avatar

Thank you SteelJ, but just to clarify, I did not write this, however the author is linked at the bottom of the post and i am sure he/or she would be quite happy if you shared this feedback there.

Best to you and yours this Christmas!

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SteelJ's avatar
5hEdited

Did as you suggested, including the unnecessary repetition of the penultimate sentence. When I went to edit it out, I changed my mind. It can't be repeated often enough that they'll screw us over next time. They are who they are. Which is why if you have any sense you don't associate closely with such people, and especially don't start a family with one of them.

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SteelJ's avatar

Sorry, I missed that attribution. Should'a known by the style and content. Merry Christmas!

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Jimmy Gleeson's avatar

Slates Are Not Clean, But Wrongs Can Be Unwrung.

There is a great scene from the movie "The Big Kahuna," and although watching movies featuring Kevin Spacey can be difficult now, in the parlance of our time, even "problematic," the movie makes a great point. I wonder what it says about me that it's difficult for me to watch movies now with Spacey in them like "The Usual Suspect

s" and "The Big Kahuna."

Danny Devito delivers it when he talks about a character named Bob (played by Peter Facinelli).That character is discovering the things you regret doing, can't change, but have to walk around with the rest of your life. How you handle that is character.

So when correcting people, I remember what it is like to be corrected, and at times remember the things I wish I could correct in myself, but can't and thus extend that wisdom to others, not out of some form of virtue, but realizing we are all people who have in turn, done many things that we have the potential to regret. There are actions I have done and have failed to do that have irrevocably shaped my life.

It isn't about grudges, but rather consequences.

This notion of keeping the lines of communication open is a common one. My dad, when he corrected me, after such a correction, there was a time when the "burn" of correction settled in. I could either rationalize that my dad was in the wrong or could embrace the mistake I made and the correction. But that time was a separation and a process.

There was also the potential for logical fallacies. Because I guarantee you, as right as my dad and others have been in correcting me, they, like me, are far from perfect. So I could look, and not look far to find those imperfections. Because in some petty part of myself ,there is always the potential to "find who is more wrong."

And then it becomes a matter of arguing planks vs. specs. But does not a person with a plank in their own eye have wisdom to help prevent spec accumulation?

I believe that Love keeps no record of wrongs, but love is also loving without condition, but in order to love unconditionally, one must know what conditions their could be.

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TriTorch's avatar

Luke 6 is far and away my favorite chapter of the bible. Your comment embodies much of it, thank you Jimmy.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

The infinite wisdom of Jesus disarming the scribes and pharisee bloodlust in 15 words.

“The letter kills, but the spirit gives life.”

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Lori's avatar

Loving without condition is impossible for humans, save One that came a long time ago.

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Herodotus II's avatar

Thank you for this! I have made it a practice, before sleep, to think of things I have done that have made me cringe, remorse-laden -- and know that these events are a part of what makes me human -- and that, with God's help, I don't have to do these things anymore. One day at a time. What a gift!

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RunningLogic's avatar

Great post and great reminder!!

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Words Beyond Me-Janice Powell's avatar

✝️✝️✝️

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

— Luke 2:10-11 NAS95

✝️✝️✝️

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Words Beyond Me-Janice Powell's avatar

Friends,

My son in law, the husband of the daughter who illustrated my book, fell forward from 15 ft when the ladder he was on slid backwards. He has a fractured nose, fractured elbow, and lost the end of his forefinger. He sees an orthopedist today for that to be cleaned up and sewn. He has other scrapes and bruises, but the doctor was amazed that he wasn’t hurt worse. We are thanking the Lord for protecting him from crippling or deadly injury. I ask you to pray for him as they do what they can for his finger and that his nose and elbow (in a sling) heal well. Thank you.

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Jeff C's avatar
8hEdited

God bless him Janice, we will keep him in our prayers.

Guys, please be careful on ladders and roofs, particularly if you have gray hair. I have seen this happen to several acquaintances and to myself once (from a much lower height thank God). A friend of mine from work was killed when his ladder fell over and he struck his head in the fall. Our sense of balance isn't as good as we get older, and it doesn't take much to misjudge things and the ladder to topple over.

Use caution, go up/down slowly, and don't lean away from the ladder. I still use them routinely and am just over 60, but move much more slowly and deliberately than when I was younger. I also bought a scaffold assembly for higher up tasks rather than working on a ladder for prolonged periods.

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Not Me's avatar

Yes—a good friend broke his neck.falling from a ladder. Thankfully survived but has limited movement. Always have someone holding the ladder and a spotter. Remember…whatever you’re doing…assess the risk first!

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Maha's avatar
6hEdited

Don't rule out the potential of DMSO in recovery. The inflammation from the fractured spinal segment(s) can be effectively reduced with DMSO. Depending on the severity of neurological damage, he may fully recover, and likely will do it faster with DMSO. Find a local provider familiar with protocols. Take a look at this:

https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/dmso-is-a-miraculous-therapy-for

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DLK's avatar

If you have gray hair NEVER go above the second rung on a ladder.

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Margot Wooster's avatar

I’m so sorry for his injuries, but praising God with you that it wasn’t worse! Praying for rapid healing!!

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Robin Esau's avatar

Praying for him!

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Ellen Youngling's avatar

Oh, no! While no one wants to have an accident and painful injury, I’m glad you are so aware how lucky he is. You are grateful he survived with relatively light damage compared to possibly deadly head, neck and spine injuries. You really have a gift for focusing on the positive, reminding us that good things are possible, there are good people in the world, and life is full of wonderful moments as well as difficult ones. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, your son in law heals quickly, and you continue to bless us with your presence on C+C!

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Words Beyond Me-Janice Powell's avatar

Ellen, thank you for your very kind words. God bless!

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Lorita's avatar

Praying right now...

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Retired RN's avatar

🙏 for your son in law, Janice.

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St. Alia the Knife's avatar

Janice, praying for your SIL, for wisdom for the doctors, for peace and comfort for him, your daughter, and all of your family.

And thank you, Janice, for all of your postings each day. It is truly encouraging to find your postings in the comments each day. You are a blessing to us!

Merry Christmas!

Mrs. "the Knife"

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VelvetStitching's avatar

Oh no! But yes, thank the Lord, he was not hurt worse! Ouch!

Praying for him now!

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RunningLogic's avatar

Praying!! 🙏🙏🙏

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Teresa Thibodeaux's avatar

Thank God! That is awful, but so much less bad than it could have been. God is so good. Praying that he heals easily and quickly.

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Barbara ( Portlander😵‍💫)'s avatar

Thanks be to God his injuries were not worse than they are. I’ve prayed for him and your family. Merry Christmas Eve Eve

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Peter Mac's avatar

Me too, Barbara! Of course I could have responded to one of the other posts in response to Janice's post, or to Janice herself, but Portland will always have a special place in my heart for the time we (wife & sone) spent there for most of 2000. While the apt we were renting was in Olympia (for my work there), we were sufficiently enamored of Portland with all of it's wonderful restaurants, drive-throughs (still have our Coffee People mugs), groceries and downtown shops, that we would often drive down right after work as well as weekend exploring!

But back to "on topic", I appreciate Janice sharing both her well-chosen biblical quotes, as well as her personal "bad news" when it occurs. Accidents happen, and as I myself have experienced, God's love for us far exceeds our very limited knowledge of "reality" and even more so, our inevitable time-bound perspective! God sees the big picture in an omnipotent & timeless way, of course, and in all humility it's our faith in Jesus, Our Lord and Our God, Our Savior and Our King, that let's us - commands us - to offer prayers for others so that we may love them as we love ourselves!

So, I am grateful to Janice for this opportunity to take a break from all of the usual daily routines and normal - indeed unavoidable - self-focus on all of the many, many "things I just HAVE to get done today" - and add her and her SIL to my prayers. And to do it right now 🙏 ☺️

And I hope you don't mind me "picking on" you, Barbara, for my long-winded reply!

Lastly, show of hands 🤔, how many of us add prayers for Jeff Childers & his family, as well as his "C&C Army" of (mostly) loyal followers (like Janice and Barbara and well, you know who you are...) and, even if/when we forget, God sees what's in our hearts 💯

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Phillip Zinni III DO FAOASM's avatar

Praying 🙏 Wisdom for Health; Faith in JESUS for Healing! Shalom Shalom Amen and AMEN!

Be Well, Be Blessed, Phillip

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Teresa Parmenter's avatar

Many prayers for you and your family! 🙏🏻

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Karmy's avatar

Oh my, Janice! The Lord was certainly watching over your son in law! Praise be to God that he was not severely injured. Praying for his full healing. 🙏

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Juju's avatar

He’s is my prayers this minute. ❤️❤️🙏🙏

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Essay33's avatar

Praise God for His protection.

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Essay33's avatar
7hEdited

Thank you, Janice. That was the best public announcement in all of human history.

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Synickel's avatar

Nice thoughts, but I guess I would ask how this relates to the C&C article?

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RJ Rambler's avatar

I guess you're new here... Obviously. Welcome to C&C. You are welcome to leave if you don't like the freedom or the positive and encouraging attitudes and posts.

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rolandttg's avatar

I get seriously fuzzed up when someone scolds me for being "off topic", which most times as I elaborate, I wasn't . But when I do post off topic it is because I see this site as a public service for sharing important information about not just current events, but health in particular

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Anne Emerson Hall's avatar

Did you take into account the name of the poster? It says it all.

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Princess Thunderbutt's avatar

Meh. Butt hurt. Take the L. Its a big forum.

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Valerie's avatar

We love Janice here. She posts something beautiful from scripture every day.

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Essay33's avatar

Welcome to C&C. Janice provides daily encouragement from scripture. You'll find more than a little encouragement and prayers sprinkled throughout the comments section too.

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Juju's avatar

It’s Christmas time. Lighten up. I’m sad for you that you cannot enjoy the season for the right reason. May you find it soon 🙏

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MnmMom's avatar

Hi Synickle! I am so glad you asked! Janice is a staple part of C&C! God has blessed her with a wonderful understanding of scripture and recall to share encouraging scripture that often ties to the stories Jeff has written about. Her sharing scripture reminds us of foundational truths for all of us to stand on during unsettling news cycles. This is on topic for several reasons:

1 - this verse documents the first public announcement, the best news ever shared- hope! And the fulfillment of God’s promise.

2- Good news for ALL people

3- most importantly God is in control and faithful even when we cannot see w our limited perspective.

These truths are why we are able to laugh and enjoy Jeff’s wonderful snarky writings of news that isn’t always good news.

It is not unusual for someone to share a prayer request. Janice has been a faithful daily participant in conversation and encouraged for Jeff Childers and the C&C Army since before he was on Substack. So her request for a need for prayer catches our attention.

It is not a requirement-feel free to push past if you do not wish to participate. No worries!

But I hope you will come to understand and appreciate her posts as well.

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John of Oregon Fame's avatar

Synickle, now I understand you name.

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Princess Thunderbutt's avatar

You got piled on by the Righteous.

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Princess Thunderbutt's avatar

Synickel, you got piled on by the Righteous.

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Bard Joseph's avatar

Luke was Roman. Only one of the gospels mentioning the city of David.

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Sir Jeff Morency, Ph.D.'s avatar

Good reminder. Next year, remind us on August 21.

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Eric - The Imaginary Hobgoblin's avatar

I trust that everyone has had their fill of cultural enrichment? Quite frankly, every illegal invader must go. We have been experiencing an import/export problem of monstrous proportions. For the miniscule contingent of diminished wingnuts who may be lurking in these hallowed C&C halls: Immigration laws are ubiquitous and universally recognized ... .not a singular impulse, racist infatuation or egregious overreach of power invented and/or otherwise initiated by “King” Trump, or the beast Homan. You don’t have a problem with immigration laws, you’ve got a problem with Trump and Homan.

Lengthy Addendum: Case and point - For informational purposes and your viewing pleasure, here's a list of the immigration protocols, procedures, and consequences for a number of different countries. I took the liberty to CAPITALIZE the most unambiguous declarations. Without further ado, I give you Rhapsodies in Deportation:

China - Unclear. The requirement exists but is poorly defined. Can naturalize if relatives are citizens living in China. The process is arduous and challenging. ILLEGAL WORK CAN LEAD TO FINES, DEPORTATION AND CRIMINAL CHARGES. CROSSING BORDERS ILLEGALLY OR ORGANIZING SUCH CROSSINGS ARE SERIOUS CRIMINAL OFFENSES.

India -The only way for foreigners to receive citizenship is through marriage or by GIVING UP THEIR ORIGINAL CITIZENSHIP to become naturalized. UP TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY.

Saudi Arabia - Must be the spouse of a Saudi citizen. IMPRISONMENT AND DEPORTATION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

Vatican City - Must be working for the Catholic Church in some capacity or meet EXTREMELY NARROW REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship is impermanent. UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY WILL NET YOU A HEFTY FINE AND UP TO 4 YEARS IN PRISON.

Germany - 8 years (7 for some). Must learn German, have GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT, and SHOW KNOWLEDGE OF GERMAN SOCIETY

Japan - 5 years. Must undergo years-long screening and interview process and RENOUNCE OTHER CITIZENSHIPS. The government is implementing a new administrative body to COORDINATE EFFORTS TO CONTROL ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, DRIVEN BY PUBLIC CONCERN OVER INCREASING NUMBERS OF FOREIGN RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.

South Korea - 5 years. Must learn Korean and RENOUNCE OTHER CITIZENSHIPS. Males aged 18-35 must serve 18 months in the military. GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL INCLUDE PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS, CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, AND ALL THREATS TO NATIONAL INTERESTS.

North Korea - Extremely strict, isolationist immigration laws, heavily controlling all entry and exit, viewing UNAUTHORIZED TRAVEL AS A SERIOUS CRIME PUNISHABLE BY PRISON, with foreigners needing specific visas (tourism, business, work) requiring state approval, and journalists facing even tighter restrictions. For citizens, leaving without permission is illegal, often leading to severe punishment, while those fleeing face forced repatriation from neighboring countries like China, with SEVERE CONSEQUENCES if caught. Only the Presidium of the Supreme Peoples' Assembly can grant citizenship to a foreigner. ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THROUGH UNAUTHORIZED POINTS CAN LEAD TO DETENTION, INJURY OR DEATH.

Finland - 4-5 years. Foreigners can apply for citizenship after 4 or 5 years of permanent residence. Individuals who have lived in Finland since turning 15 must have done so for at least 7 years and without interruption for the past 2 years. Multiple citizenship is permitted, but such individuals MUST DEMONSTRATE CLOSE TIES WITH FINLAND by age 22 or risk losing their Finnish passport. Prospective citizens MUST HAVE A CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD and MUST LEARN Finnish, Swedish, or Finnish Sign Language.

Liechtenstein - 30 years (5 years if married, each year counts for two if under age 20)

MUST RENOUNCE CITIZENSHIP in any other country. While technically open, Liechtenstein's IMMIGRATION IS HIGHLY CONTROLLED, FAVORING THOSE WHO DIRECTLY BENEFIT ITS ECONOMY, with significant hurdles for non-EEA/Swiss nationals.

United Arab Emirates - 30 years (3 years for citizens of Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain, 7 years for other Arabic peoples). MUST SPEAK ARABIC FLUENTLY, HAVE A LEGAL SOURCE OF INCOME, A CLEAN RECORD, and POSSESS ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS.

San Marino - 30 years. Citizenship is granted after 30 years of uninterrupted residence.

Applicants must RENOUNCE THEIR PREVIOUS CITIZENSHIP and PROVE THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN CONVICTED OR RECEIVED A PRISON SENTENCE OF LONGER THAN ONE YEAR..

Qatar - 25 years, having never left for longer than two months. MUST HAVE A VALUABLE SKILL. STILL WILL NOT HAVE FULL RIGHTS ONCE NATURALIZED.

Kuwait - 20 years (15 for male spouses and certain nationalities). MUST SPEAK ARABIC AND MUST HAVE BEEN A MUSLIM FOR 5 YEARS MINIMUM.

Bhutan - 20 years (15 for government workers). MUST SWEAR TO OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO KING, COUNTRY, AND PEOPLE. CITIZENSHIP CAN BE REVOKED FOR CRITICIZING SAME.

Switzerland - 10 years (5 if from Canada, U.S., or E.U. or EFTA country) Must have a difficult to obtain permit to stay in the country for required time. MUST DEMONSTRATE DEVOTION TO SWISS SOCIETY.

Austria - 10 years. MUST HAVE IN-DEMAND OR TOP NOTCH PROFESSIONAL SKILLS; MUST LEARN GERMAN, ASSIMILATE WITH AUSTRIAN CULTURE AND RENOUNCE OTHER CITIZENSHIP.

Monaco - 10 years. POTENTIAL CITIZENS ARE EXPECTED TO RENOUNCE ANY FOREIGN NATIONALITY and be free from foreign national service obligations. A minimum of 10 continuous years of residency in Monaco since the age of 18 is required to apply for citizenship.

Russia - Consequences of illegal entry: You will likely be fined and face IMMEDIATE DEPORTATION. You will be added to a database, preventing legal entry for a significant period (e.g., 5-10 years). IF YOU HAVE COMMITTED OTHER CRIMES, YOU MIGHT FACE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION BEFORE DEPORTATION. In essence, Russia has STRICT MEASURES, including LONG-TERM BANS and FORCED REMOVAL, for those residing without proper legal status, PARTICULARLY FOCUSING ON PREVENTING ECONOMIC MIGRATION UNDER ASYLUM CLAIMS.

United States - 5 years. (Markedly condensed) >>> Must pass increasingly stringent eligibility requirements, must pass English language and U.S. history exam, SWEAR OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO U.S. <<< THIS.

If Trump’s racist, they're all racists. If Trump’s a hate monger, they’re all hate mongers. If Trump’s an exclusionist, then they’re all exclusionists. What you call racism, Red, White & Blue Americans call "irreconcilable cultural differences.”....incompatible…untenable…diametrically opposed, and hazardous to mind, body and soul. (I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat, but rather someone that will fight tooth and nail for common sense, conservative, constitutional principles. I’m far from a “Trump worshipper,” so any assertion to the contrary falls harmlessly flat. Having yet progressed beyond their 7th century slaughterfest and rape ideologies, it’s perfectly reasonable - and highly probable - to expect a slew of gruesome attacks on par with what happened in Australia. It is their way….blood and centuries of cultural conditioning being thicker than cooperation and altruism. Nap time’s over, people.

Incidentally, my daughter-in-law, who endured the vexing, painstaking - sometimes maddening - legal processes to come to the states from Down Under LEGALLY, says hello. (She verbalized a brief postscript ending with the preposition “off,” but being a mostly family friendly Stack, I thought it best not to include it here).

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Susan Seas's avatar

Did anyone else see the mayor and I’m not sure where it was needed to testify in court and he could not understand English? He was using his assistant as an interpreter and the judge was like no. This is insane!

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J. Fast's avatar

Same situation with the Police Chief in Providence, R.I. He resorted to an interpreter so he could complete his press conference on the Brown university shootings in Spanish. I do not want America to become Mexico.

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Lori's avatar

and the same that the wingnut did speaking somali. we are in America. Learn English, know it and use it or stay away.

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Frontera Lupita's avatar

Just because the Mayor of Providence RI spoke Spanish, doesn’t necessarily mean he is from Mexico. Granted the majority of Spanish speakers here in the USA are from Mexico but do you know that he is in fact from Mexico? There are many Spanish speaking people from Spanish speaking nations around the world that have immigrated to the USA (legally or illegally).

But I do agree that the Mayors of major cities in the USA should have a substantial working knowledge of English, be able to speak it easily, and understand what is being spoken back to them in English.

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LamedVav disavows all vaxes.'s avatar

The official language of the United States should be English for the government. No translations.

Speak any language you want at home but all government business should be conducted only in English

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Lori's avatar

Try Miami. They refuse to speak English though living in our country. They will ignore you if you speak English. 2 words for all of them and it ain't Happy Birthday.

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Steenroid's avatar

Then never, ever visit New Mexico.

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Frontera Lupita's avatar

Native New Mexicans (of Spanish descent) look down on the ‘mojados’ which is what they call the Mexicans!

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Lori's avatar

LOL, old mexico is enough.

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Leskunque Lepew's avatar

Become?

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Frontera Lupita's avatar

I know…I live in SoCA, grew up here, on the border with Mexico and the USA. In the small town that I hail from the demographics of that town have become now over 70% Latino. Mostly these are people from Mexico or are 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation families of these original migrants.

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LamedVav disavows all vaxes.'s avatar

And probably they all speak only Spanish still.

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Susan Seas's avatar

🤦🏼‍♀️😡

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Dan (100% All in MAGA)'s avatar

Yes, the town is Lawrence, Massachusetts. I believe the article also stated the town is 82% Hispanic population.

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Dan (100% All in MAGA)'s avatar

How in the hell do you get a town in MA that is 82% Hispanic? What we see here is the process you see everywhere, where illegal immigrants gather in a particular location, like the somali's also do, and they gain legitimacy, and political power!

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Essay33's avatar
7hEdited

The demographics of Lawrence Massachusetts are very revealing

Less than 30% of the homes are owner occupied. Average income $21,419. 19% below poverty line (that's a stunningly high percentage of poor families). It's a town of poor immigrants. Historically as a mill town it's always been an immigrant town but those were European immigrants who learned English and assimilated up until the late 1900s. That's when the Hispanics moved in (mostly Puerto Ricans and Dominicans). So it makes sense that they elected a mayor like them who speaks Spanish and not English.

When I taught school in SoCal, one of the greatest frustrations I had was the way many Hispanic families would randomly pull their child out of class to go visit Mexico. I learned that "la familia" was far more important to them than education. The effect of interrupting their child's education was irrelevant to them. Learning English was also not a priority; they didn't see a serious need for it. I don't know if Lawrence is like L.A. at all, but I'd expect they too provide all public communications in Spanish as well as English, whether it's a phone bill or a bus schedule.

There's nothing wrong with a bilingual mayor (that's actually a great skill). There's something fundamentally wrong though with a mayor and basically an entire town in the United States incapable of communicating in the common language of English.

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I.M. Nottaborg's avatar

You are correct. About 25 years ago I ran a grant outreach program to help qualified high schoolers in Lawrence transition to community college. The students' parents were from the Dominican Republic and pulled them out of school frequently. I never knew if they were going back and forth for work or what was going on. It was a rude awakening to me to realize that not everybody had a childhood that helped give them a love of learning, enjoyment of books, etc. The did not see the point. Some of the girls in our program were dating guys in prison and the big dream was to have a baby in order to receive gov. welfare. We had one lovely girl who wanted so hard to learn. She tried to read and understand English pronunciation. We started to suspect that she had something like dyslexia, but could not get the school to use funds to test her. It was heartbreaking. I also taught ESL adult courses which had the people who wanted to learn English, mostly Dominican and Russian women and they were the loveliest people ever and acutely aware of the benefits of becoming bilingual. (And we had outdated reading books geared toward the prior wave of students from Saudi Arabia, with vocabulary about the desert and collecting date palms.) After I did this for 2 years, the High School lost it's accreditation and the actual news on what a disaster the place was finally came out. By the way, that old mill town used to operate by importing French Canadians. But there is no French Canadian ghetto.

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Essay33's avatar

Thank you for the first hand recollection of Lawrence. It's so disheartening as a teacher to realize that some of your students' own parents don't see any intrinsic value in learning. Their kids are in school because that's somewhere to put them during the day. Meanwhile the Asian kids' parents have them in music lessons and tutoring outside of school, and their expectations are high and clear. But it's racist to notice, much less try to address, the in-your-face cultural differences directly impacting students' success.

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Lori's avatar

And they ain't that smart nor do most try to learn English. It is so offensive. Could not get away with that if you moved to a spanish country.

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Help Needed in KS's avatar

I'd be curious to see a breakdown of the countries from where the population came from; Mexico, Central America, South America?

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Help Needed in KS's avatar

I should have read further on. My questions was answered by Essay33.

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Dave aka Geezermann's avatar

Yes, I saw that mentioned on the X22 Report last evening. I would never have known it was this bad in MA.

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Susan Seas's avatar

Thank you I keep meaning to look it up, but haven’t. Massachusetts!?! Wow.

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Lori's avatar

Oy Vey with that already.

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Dan (100% All in MAGA)'s avatar

I think it far worse than that Eric. The people who complain do not want a Constitutional Republic of, by, and for the people. The last thing they want is assimilated Americans. They want to be divisive in every way possible. They are a part of the cabal who demands the ability to control everyone through omnipotent government in the same way that china controls their subjects. Trump is their kryptonite.

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Beth's avatar

And right there is why I love Trump, warts and all. Trump IS kryptonite.

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David A's avatar

Estimated annual US cost of an adult illegal in the US is about 6 k annually. Add in a child and those costs soar. 3 k is a bargain. And so far it is over 1.5 million self deported.

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Lori's avatar

that I have to pay anything for them makes me want to heave.

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Lori's avatar

They can stick their diversity where the sun don't shine.

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Herodotus II's avatar

I can understand the feeling, Dan -- but your metaphor would seem to imply superhuman qualities to Trump's adversaries. I would more readily apply the idea of Medicine -- as in, perhaps, Cod Liver Oil, or even Chemo, wherein the sick, sick patient may not LIKE, even ABHOR what is being dosed -- it is the only thing that can save them, unbeknownst to themselves -- and us all.

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Merry McIntyre's avatar

In MN the fraud situation is expanding exponentially. Guess which community is mostly involved? The governor & his minions, including the Star Tribune, are complicit.

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Jake's avatar

Tampon Tim wants' to be reelected. I wonder how this will all work out for him? If the DOJ can trace money back to him I believe he and others will be toast. But, Bill Clinton has shown even if you're guilty doesn't mean you'll be prosecuted. It's just politics...

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Based Florida Man's avatar

Imagine if Harris/Walz had won.

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Dena's avatar

Yes he wants to be reelected for an unprecedented 3 rd term. Hopefully he’ll be forced to resign in disgrace.

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Lori's avatar

he is already a disgrace. he should be forced to resign and go straight to prison.

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David A's avatar

He is likely complicit in this fraud.

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Robyn Welch's avatar

I don't think Walz will enjoy the protection that the Clintons receive. I doubt he has the same connections, or level of threat. Hopefully he will be seen as expendable to the party. But will the state residents care about the corruption? Will we ever know the truth about how bad it is?

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shayne's avatar

Well said, though I must say, those European countries looked the other way for the last decade or so. And now they're paying for it.

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RunningLogic's avatar

True. They seem to make exceptions for certain populations.

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RunningLogic's avatar

Not to mention that criminal charges that result in prison time in the majority of those places make for a much less pleasant experience, relatively speaking, than in the USA.

Glad to have your DIL here with us! Legal immigrants who contribute something to our country and share our values are welcome!

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Based Florida Man's avatar

Euro immigrants or none.

We're just 7% of world population. So non euros just dilute our numbers even more, despite how nice they are. We can't go on with this trajectory.

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Joan Hirzel's avatar

Eric, that has to be one of the best comments ever on the subject of immigration! Thank you for all the information on other countries’s immigration policies. Well done!!👍

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Juju's avatar

“…minuscule contingent of diminished wingnuts who may be lurking…” coffee snort achieved 👍 Thank you very much 😆

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Eric - The Imaginary Hobgoblin's avatar

I thrive on humanity's snort.

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Elizabeth Klein's avatar

Copied and am reposting. A great lesson for all. We do not walk alone in protecting our borders.

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Based Florida Man's avatar

Great post! Here's another example (unfortunately from Trump) where we give billions to help make more Nigerians. Who will likely put their hand out for more gibs as they continue to breed and feed at our expense:

https://tribuneonlineng.com/us-earmarks-2-1bn-for-nigerias-christian-healthcare-facilities/

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Eric - The Imaginary Hobgoblin's avatar

I’ve been down some pretty dark holes lately. We really need to give this depopulation idea another look. Less shotgun approach, more rifle.

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SH's avatar

I actually don't mind that one so much. They stay there in their country, and they have to put even more money into the program. I'd call that one a Hand Up program and not a hand out. >>negotiated in connection with reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at improving the protection of Christian communities from violence<<

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Based Florida Man's avatar

2 billion would go a long way here in America.

Africa can support their own people with over 50 countries there.

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Merry McIntyre's avatar

WOW, Eric! This is epic! This needs to be shared far & wide. I hope it will get to Trump. Thank you for posted this. An eye opener! I truly like your DIL. We speak the same language. 😋

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Eric - The Imaginary Hobgoblin's avatar

If this gets to Trump, I’ll deport myself.

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Lori's avatar

post it on truthsocial under one of his posts.

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Lori's avatar

we will not allow you to deport yourself! (providing you are a legal citizen).

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SD Scott's avatar
8hEdited

Reality: What a concept.

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Lori's avatar

Yes, they ALL must go and then apply to come in legally showing respect to our nation along with the ability to pay for themselves and family. I in no way want to support them. Who supports me? Answer: Me.

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Bard Joseph's avatar

And them being dumped in a torture chamber in El Salvadore.

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Bgagnon's avatar

That collection should be a real eye opener for everyone! Bravo!

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rolandttg's avatar

You should have included Mexico

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Eric - The Imaginary Hobgoblin's avatar

Not long enough?? 🤣🤣

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rolandttg's avatar

No. You did an excellent job, and every 'tard should be forced to read it. Took my WWII bomber command navigator father 2 years of dancing to get permission for his family to immigrate here, and had to have a (good) job offer in hand . So, I brook no shit from those who bitch about illegals receiving "no due process " for those who used no due process to come here in the first place. The silence is deafening when I use this argument

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Eric - The Imaginary Hobgoblin's avatar

Facts are tough to digest for ‘tards.

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Margot Wooster's avatar

I don’t want to steal Janice’s thunder, but I must post this verse I just read in Psalms and ask every believer to PLEASE pray for Tina Peters today!

“I cry to You, LORD; I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.

Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low!

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!

Bring me out of prison,

That I may give thanks to Your name!

The righteous will surround me, for You will deal bountifully with me.”

Psalm 142:5-7 ESV

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VelvetStitching's avatar

Thanks, Margot, for keeping Tina Peters in our thoughts so we may pray for her! Great Scripture to pray! God bless you!

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Lori's avatar

https://professordavidclements.substack.com/p/the-immediate-liberation-of-tina

You may wish to read or watch this VS-a stategy to get her out by a former prosecutor.

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

There is a petition you can sign if you haven’t already. https://kimmonson.com/tina-peters-petition

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RunningLogic's avatar

Thank you for sharing that, Nard!

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

Anyone can sign! You don’t have to be in Colorado!

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Karmy's avatar

Unfortunately the deadline for the petition was yesterday. Praying that those who did sign it were many and that it helps to get her released.

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Juju's avatar

Bummer deadline was 9 am yesterday 😕 I would certainly have signed.

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Lori's avatar

ugh, me too. You may find this interesting Juju about how to get her out of jail by a former prosecutor. He has a great substack.

https://professordavidclements.substack.com/p/the-immediate-liberation-of-tina

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

Well, shoot!

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Juju's avatar

🤣 ikr! I clicked the link and you could hear the disappointing jingle, “wanh wanh wanh wanhhhhhh” in the background. LOL

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Lori's avatar

https://professordavidclements.substack.com/p/the-immediate-liberation-of-tina

Nard, you may find this very interesting. David is a former prosecutor.

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

I will definitely take a look :)

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MnmMom's avatar

Has anyone heard how many signatures? Was it enough?

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

I’m not sure, but they’re going to try to present the petition to Polis today.

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Beth's avatar

My prayer is simple. "Lord, please come. I can't do this without You."

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RunningLogic's avatar

Prayers for Tina Peters! 🙏

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RJ Rambler's avatar

Janice's Thunder? 🤭

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Margot Wooster's avatar

Janice posts Scripture every day, which we all love. I just meant I wasn’t trying to take her place.

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Barbara ( Portlander😵‍💫)'s avatar

Is there ever to much scripture or prayer requests

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Lori's avatar

Margo, you have got to read this about Tina by former prosecutor David Clements. He has a strategy to get her out. I posted it on Truth Social.

https://professordavidclements.substack.com/p/the-immediate-liberation-of-tina

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Karmy's avatar

Thanks Margot for bringing Tina’s plight to more people. I pray for her release from prison daily and that she receives justice and the true perpetrators are brought to justice.

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Bard Joseph's avatar

"Now time grows short. History will not allow the people of Shem additional centuries, or even decades, to come to their senses and realize what is going on. Just as they have been victims of massacres and genocides for centuries, the people of Shem now face the determination of the Canaanites to exterminate them utterly and finally. a goal they hope to achieve by the end of the millenium."

The Curse of Canaan

Eustace Mullins 1987

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Melissa MB's avatar

Read that one yesterday! And prayed it!

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Lisa Ca's avatar

who is Tina Peters?

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Margot Wooster's avatar

She is a county clerk in Colorado who has been in prison for over a year, for doing the right thing in her job during the 2020 election. She uncovered evidence of fraud and has been persecuted for it. That’s an oversimplified version, you can look her up and find out a lot more.

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

She worked for the Secretary of State in Colorado and was JAILED after the 2020 election for exposing the fraud in our state. Basically imprisoned for DOING HER JOB. Shameful.

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Pat Wetzel's avatar

You're kidding, right? 😉

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Lisa Ca's avatar

ya no not at all. Never heard of her

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Lori's avatar

I did not either until about 2 months ago.

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Tom's avatar

"The real answer, of course, will be figuring out what changed in the 1970s when we all suddenly began swelling up like overinflated roly-poly bop bags."

It was the food pyramid.

After extensive analysis, I have come to the conclusion that we should be using a food PILLAR, and this pillar consists of mostly bacon from top to bottom.

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shayne's avatar

We had homemade breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Always meat and veg. Eating out was rare. We walked to school from 5ys old to 17. Driving to school was illegal. So, we ate mostly unprocessed food and moved more 😏😂

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Valerie's avatar

It feels like every kid in my neighborhood now has an electric something- bike, scooter, whatever. Not all of them are overweight, but a lot of them are. What happened to kids expending energy??

Also, they wear helmets, which is good, but they do not know the rules of the road and I’m concerned that we’re going to have a terrible accident. They are too small and too fast to be seen well when driving a car. Just my 2-cents as someone whose reached the ‘get off my lawn’ phase of life, lol.

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Politico Phil's avatar

Growing up in the 50s, everything I did was without a helmet and mostly without adult supervision... taught me freedom and consequences.

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Valerie's avatar

Same for me in the 70s, but there is a lot more traffic now. I don’t think the helmets help much if you get run over by a car. They really should stay off the road.

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Politico Phil's avatar

And back then people knew how to drive - LOL. Today the roads are filled with illiterate immigrants and idiot drivers. When my boys wanted motorcycles, I said "Nope - stick to mountain biking or motor cross. No street bikes."

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Richard Whitney's avatar

We ate at McDonald's once a week. McDonald's was a new place, and it was cheap.

That McDonald's is now a national landmark, because it was only the second one open.

Anyway, there were hamburgers and french fries available. The hamburger was a small patty on a bun-19 cents. The french fries were in a small bag-10 cents. There might have been the option of a slice of cheese, but there was no double cheeseburger or Big Mac or Super-sized fries.

Gosh, I wonder what happened in the 70s that made Americans so fat?

That and the paving over of most land to make McMansions and streets devoted to cars, not children playing.

Mrs. RW

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Jeffrey N. Gratton's avatar

YEESSS

But let's not forget grass fed butter, and my personal favorite, foie gras.

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Politico Phil's avatar

Quite literally, seed oils - which everyone eats - will, over time, kill you.

Instead, butter, coconut oil, lard and tallow. Olive oil in moderation.

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Robyn Welch's avatar

I switched from corn oil (it's corn, should be ok 🙄) to avocado oil and olive oil about a year ago. I bake only with butter. (I didn't have to change anything there) We still eat out too much, but at home I'm trying to do better.

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Politico Phil's avatar

Well... sorry but corn oil is a seed oil and just as bad as any other and comes from GMO corn to boot with a topping of pesticide. BTW, many restaurants are now switching to beef tallow for frying. Tastes so much better too.

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Robyn Welch's avatar

I know that now...that's why I switched. I would love to know what restaurants, especially small family owned, have switched. I would definitely choose to go there.

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Politico Phil's avatar

I ask the ones I eat at and was pleasantly surprised

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RunningLogic's avatar

Mmmm 😋

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Politico Phil's avatar

The "food pyramid", like everything else from our pharma controlled medical establishment, has always been a lie meant to harm and kill.

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shibumi's avatar

Anyone who is even considering using a GLP-1 drug should read this:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34305810/

Keto works. Carnivore works. Is it hard? Kind of. It's easier if you cook yourself and avoid things like HFCS and seed oils.

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NofloChick's avatar

When I switched over to healthy eating and organic food, I lost 10 pounds without even trying.

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Sir Jeff Morency, Ph.D.'s avatar

According to Dr. Dadamo? it depends on your blood type whether Carnivore will help you or make you fat.

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redpilled69's avatar

To take this a different direction... and stick with me here.... let's just assume that GLP-1 are totally safe (they are not) and are a miracle (which also they are not)...

GLP-1 results only remain if you continue taking the product. As such, everyone who takes a GLP-1 should come with some sort of truth in advertising label. Each individual (male AND female), are attracted to many aspects of a person they date/court. One of those aspects is physical. If you are running around on a GLP-1 after losing 100 lbs, it is only fair for someone you date to know that should you stop taking said product, you are gaining 100 lbs. It's only right to be honest.

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MnmMom's avatar

One more trick of pharma to have us addicted and be perpetual slaves to their products. So deceptively tantalizing though to be able to buy that quick fix!!

Note: almost 60, no gall bladder and an overcompensating liver- didn’t know if I could truly loose weight and get stronger again. But after 1.5 years of intentionally findings way to excercise regularly AND changing to eating healthier, restricting sugar intake- down 50lbs🎉 and stronger as a bonus 🎉. It is a selfdiscipline daily decision! But so much better choice than quick fix pharma! If I can do it, You can do it too!

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Tom's avatar

Take a pill.

Say, "I can be like The Most High."

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Juju's avatar

Exactly. From the wide bottom: oodles of Ribeye and NY Strip, Filets, Roasts, Shellfish and Salmon, Bacon, Eggs, Cheese, butter, natural fats, pork and poultry (wholesomely sourced if possible,) nuts, and all the way near the tippy top broccoli, cauliflower, and berries. The very tiny tip-top would be where everything else goes in the smallest quantities possible. Nothing over processed and no lab made ingredients - ESPECIALLY anything Gates is concocting.

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Mike's avatar

Carnivore works. 72 years old went on hardcore carnivore for 2month lost 26 lbs! Lost all of my treasured skin tags, started pooping like a race horse (tmi). On keto now kept all but 5 lbs off!!No pills, shots, poison, longterm difficulties just weight loss. Tip: wait until after the Holidays, just say'n

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Politico Phil's avatar

Yes it does.

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Tom's avatar

Gates has stated plainly that he wants to bury trees underground.

The fact that the wood could be used to make useful things like HOMES or FURNITURE does not concern him.

This, in spite of the fact that trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

"Gill Bates" does not care one whit about "carbon footprint." He does not care about "sustainability."

"Gill Bates" wants to kill, steal, and destroy. Just like his father, the devil.

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Lori's avatar

Many would like to see him buried underground.

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SH's avatar

I'd help dig for that!!

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william howard's avatar

Dr. Mercola believes the switch from natural cooking oils to seed oils that are high in Omega 6 is a primary factor - then you can add processed foods that are mostly chemicals that our bodies can't process both of which lead to gut damage which is responsible for up to 80% of all illnesses - beware

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Christine's avatar

Tom, I'm with you on that bacon pillar! 😅👏👏👏👏👏👏

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Tom's avatar

The bacon pillar is structurally sound!

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RJ Rambler's avatar

I actually think it was during WW2 and the English War Dept of Ag that got much of this so screwed up and the city ppl voted to keep it going like good little facist minions and the US FDA loved what it did to the population there that they wanted US to be more like them.

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Tom's avatar

"Build 'victory gardens,' right up until we PUNISH you for building 'victory gardens.'

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Frontera Lupita's avatar

😉😂🥓

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James Goodrich's avatar

Someday soon I know Jesus will return. Some people dread this, but with the evil that has spread throughout this world, and with no guarantee where I will end up, I welcome it. This is why I believe it’s more important than ever to try your best to do the right thing.

Small everyday acts can sometimes turn into big changes. It’s in the ordinary obedience, when you’re serving, giving, loving, that you’re creating legacy. You don’t need to be in the spotlight, or have a large platform, if you do that’s great, but your impact is just as real and just as powerful. It’s not always the big moments that build legacy it’s the small steps of daily faithfulness. The things you do quietly when no one applauds. Those actions that seem small, God keeps the records of. What you do in secret, what nobody gives you credit for, God said he’ll reward you openly.

A mathematician and weather expert named Edward Lorenz came up with a theory that a butterfly fluttering its wings could set off a chain reaction that could create a hurricane in Texas. That small insignificant motion had the power to set off a major shift. Of coarse people discounted it but he was able to prove scientifically how that slight change in the atmosphere created by a simple flutter of a butterflies wings could lead to this incredible weather pattern. Sometimes small ordinary actions can create a ripple effect that will cause much larger events to occur. This is the connection, when you go about your routine each day, it can seem ordinary like not much is happening, but your obedience is setting in motion things you can’t see. There’s a ripple effect taking place. God is orchestrating things that will have a greater impact, more significant than you could ever imagine. This is why the enemy tries to take away ordinary America. They try to make what we do seem insignificant. Don’t believe this, your life makes a difference, people are watching you, your family, your friends co-workers, your actions create influence.

Sometimes God hands you a gift. This past spring I was driving into Home Depot to get materials for my days work. I didn’t get far into the parking lot and I saw a wallet sitting on the asphalt, I stopped and picked it up. I took a look and there was a folded bunch of 20 dollar bills, some foreign currency, a family picture and of coarse a man’s drivers license. It appeared the man was originally from India and a picture showed his wife and two children. I googled his name but couldn’t find a phone number. He lived 2 towns away, so I decided I’d go in to get my materials and then drive to his house and drop the wallet off. It was a bit of a drive, when I got there I knocked on the door. An Indian woman hesitantly opened the door and in brocken English said can I help you. I told her I found her husbands wallet at Home Depot, knew he must have been worried, and wanted to get it back to him. She said he had called her and was a nervous wreck. She thanked me and I left. She didn’t take my number or my name but I’m sure the hour I took out of my day made a positive impact in those peoples lives. The good feeling I got was all the reward I wanted.

So many times it’s our ordinary routine actions that can make the biggest difference. In John 6 there was a woman that had no idea how much she mattered, and how God was going to use something routine in her life to have such a tremendous impact on others. Her list of things to do was as long as usual but first she had to pack a lunch for her son. She only had two small fish left over from dinner and 5 small loaves of bread. As she began packing his lunch, she never would believe what would happen later that day. There was a huge crowd of people listening to Jesus teach. It was late in the day and they asked Jesus if they should dismiss the people so they can go find food. Jesus said you feed them. They were puzzled and said we don’t have that kind of food to feed all these people. Jesus asked well what do you have. So they searched the whole crowd and all they came up with was the little boys lunch with the two fish and the five loaves of bread. They gave it to Jesus, he blessed the food and it multiplied and ended up feeding over 5000 people, with twelve baskets of food left over. We hear a lot about the miracles of multiplying the food and I’m sure you have heard that story but it all started with a mother being faithful. She thought it was just a routine day checking off her to do list but it was part of a much bigger plan, something she couldn’t see right then. A divinely orchestrated moment that years later would still be inspiring us. That’s the butterfly effect. The relationship between small movements and big events. How could something as routine as taking care of your family have that kind of effect. Going to work being your best and doing it all over again. It feels so normal. You’ll never know the impact of your faithfulness. Keep honoring God, being good to people, going the extra mile you’re making a difference.

The scripture says don’t despise the day of small beginnings. God loves to take our small and do big things. He’ll use what we consider insignificant or ordinary to have a tremendous impact. Your steps are being ordered by the Lord. God has these destiny moments. It can seem ordinary but you don’t know what God is up to. As you keep being faithful in your everyday life you will be openly rewarded by God.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! J.Goodrich

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Robin Esau's avatar

Love all this, James. Indeed, let's go about doing good!

"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." Ephesians 2:10

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Dr Linda's avatar

I was thinking the same regarding butterflies.

A small step by 1000’s of folks makes a huge difference

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Deb's avatar

Mr. Goodrich, what you did in returning that wallet and the way you choose to live your life in honoring God is wonderful. And an example for all. But no where in your post do you mention surrendering your life to Jesus as being the way of salvation and ultimately being able to spend eternity with the Father. The prophet, Isaiah (64:6) stated that all our righteousness is as filthy rags. But Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that through grace we are saved, not by works. But faith without works is dead as stated by the half-brother of Jesus (James 2:26). If I have spoken out of line or misunderstood what you wrote, I apologize. Thank you again for your post and examples of how we all should life our lives. God bless you.

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James Goodrich's avatar

I don’t know Deb. I was raised a Catholic and in my younger days I probably would have taken the money and thrown the wallet out the window of my truck. I guess I’m a work in progress, trying to do better. This is why I said I don’t know where I’ll end up, but this world needs help. Honestly I in many ways feel I’m in purgatory now, I feel like a slave, fighting everyday to keep my family afloat. You don’t know me, and you don’t know what I do. It’s just a sub stack comment!

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Juju's avatar

Because I love your comments each day and what you have to say I have to reply to you: you can wake each day knowing EXACTLY where you will end up. There is no reason not to. God clearly tells you. If you recognize Jesus as His only son, sent to die on your behalf as payment for your sins, and if you accept Him into your life as your Lord and Savior to lead your steps each day with the assistance of the Holy Spirit that He will send to you, you will be with Him in eternity regardless of your works. However, the joy and jubilation of that gift manifests itself into good works all on its own. So yes we know each other by our fruits. But those fruits are not your salvation, choosing Jesus is. Please KNOW where you will end up so that your joy may spill over onto the world around you even more readily than it already does. ❤️

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Juju, I have accepted Jesus into my life, and I have chosen Him as my savior. Trying to help people whenever it is possible I sometimes think is for me. That may sound selfish but it’s how I get a lot of the joy in my life. It sometimes gives me a high for days even weeks. Thank You again.

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Juju's avatar

Then you DO know!!! You know where you will end up. Never say you have no idea again, because you actually do. Own it! You’re an heir to the throne of the one true King. It’s amazing.

And doing good to feel good goes hand in hand as a child of God. It’s the cycle He created. Everyone benefits.

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SadieJay's avatar

Nicely done. Amen. See you all on the other side. God bless you all!!

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Deb's avatar

We are all a work in progress, friend. You are right, sir, I do not know you but you can have the reassurance of where you will spend eternity. Just accept the free gift of salvation from Jesus.... that is all there is to it. Doesn't matter who you are, or what you do. Jesus loves us and offers us forgiveness. Take Him up on it! You will never regret it!

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Deb's avatar

Praise God of you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. Keep up loving others by helping them! You are blessing others and receiving blessings yourself!

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Baldmichael's avatar

Well said. Small everyday acts can cut both ways for good or ill, but they are the catalyst to greater things, thence the anagram of 'Small everyday acts'

'catalyse marvels yd'

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Carolyn's avatar

AMEN

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RunningLogic's avatar

Great post!!! 👏👏👏 Very well said!!

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Bgagnon's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful post. It is a welcome reminder to me! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to you! ❤️

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Bgagnon Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

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Lori's avatar

Lovely James, just lovely. Merry Christmas.

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Lori, Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

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Lisa Runquist's avatar

I love this!

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Lisa!!

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Synickel's avatar

Nice thoughts, but I guess I would ask how this relates to the C&C article?

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

It doesn’t matter. At C&C we address all matter of things respectfully , whether they relate to the round-up or not. Free thought is welcome here.

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Lori's avatar

I am not always respectful Nard to those that come on her griping about Trump or complaining. Things to work on. Merry Christmas!

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Synickel's avatar

I respectfully asked a question.

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

And I respectfully answered.

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Dr Linda's avatar

Jeff addressed this in his introduction.

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Synickel's avatar

Sorry, I skipped the intro, so my bad.

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James Goodrich's avatar

Synickel, Do you ask others this question? I work everyday, and I’m actually on a roof right now, but I wanted to ask you, does every comment above mine or below mine meet your standard of fitting with Jeff’s essay??? Or is it just me?

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RunningLogic's avatar

Also, I think it’s worth pointing out that this is Jeff Childers’s Substack and he’s never ever said anything to discourage these kinds of comments. And I’ve been reading C&C almost since the very beginning. In fact, Jeff frequently “likes” them. So I would say, if the author of this Substack doesn’t have a problem with it, no one else has any business trying to police the comments here. I personally loved your post and thought it was also very timely considering that this is Christmas week!

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You RunningLogic!!

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Synickel's avatar

Sorry, I thought Jeff stood for freedom of expression, so I merely asked a question. Seems like if people have unrelated things they want to talk about, they should have their own stack.

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Essay33's avatar
6hEdited

You've repeatedly posted the same "nice thoughts, but how does this relate" question. By now you should have figured out the tone of this Substack's comments section. By now, the question comes across more as dismissive of others' comments and not simple curiosity. That's why some people might dismiss you as a troll. Hopefully you aren't a troll and you find this comments section worthwhile. Most of us here do.

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James Goodrich's avatar

Again is my comment the only one that doesn’t meet your standard? Comment on others, take a look.

“The bottom line: Christmas is back. It is even back in the Nation’s capital, which is looking less and less godless all the time. It’s a true holiday miracle.

Have a terrific Tuesday! Then sleigh back here tomorrow for the Christmas Eve roundup, the last C&C before the celebration of our Savior’s birth. See you then!”

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Enheduanna's avatar

Mini-modding is also considered a faux pas. A worse one even, in some groups.

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RunningLogic's avatar

No one is saying you can’t ask the question. But the implication of your question appears to be, if it’s not related, it shouldn’t be posted. Apologies if that wasn’t your intention. However, we’ve had a few people constantly harping on that issue in the past here, and so I guess I and others assumed that was your point.

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RJ Rambler's avatar

Wrong House troll.

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Synickel's avatar

Wrong assessment, accuser of the brethren.

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Dr Linda's avatar

Wasn’t the Senate filibuster changed when the silent filibuster was added?

The silent filibuster seems so childish. I am not okay with the practice by either party. Speak up and earn your pay.

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Dan (100% All in MAGA)'s avatar

A quick AI query on when was the silent filibuster created returned this response:

"The "silent filibuster" emerged in the

1970s, a consequence of Senate rule changes in 1972 and 1975 that made the traditional, time-consuming "talking filibuster" unnecessary.

Key Developments

1972: The Two-Track System Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield introduced the "two-track" system, which allowed the Senate to set aside a measure being filibustered and move on to other legislative business. This meant a single senator could no longer halt all Senate activity, but it also removed the primary physical burden of continuously holding the floor with an extended speech.

1975: Lowered Cloture Threshold The Senate further modified Rule XXII to reduce the number of votes required for cloture (ending debate) from two-thirds of those present and voting to three-fifths of all senators duly chosen and sworn, which is typically 60 votes.

The Effect

Combined, these changes made it easier for a minority of 41 or more senators to block legislation simply by threatening a filibuster, without having to engage in marathon speaking sessions. This ability to stop a bill from being considered by merely notifying Senate leadership of an intent to obstruct ushered in the era of the modern "silent" or "stealth" filibuster, where the 60-vote threshold became the de facto requirement to pass most legislation."

So, it is not a time honored tradition, it is a scheme to undermine their work to debate and then vote to a solution which is in the best interests of the country and it's Citizens. They are a despicable group of lackeys, simply a bunch of uniparty scumbags enriching themselves in the power and wealth of the country. As part of the Legislative branch, they have power equal to the Executive, which many people do not understand, and it allows them to defy the President. I'm not saying the Legislative Branch shouldn't be equal in stature and power - what Im saying is they shouldn't be able to invoke rules and procedures which allow them to sidestep the issues they are sent to resolve for the country.

It should also come as no surprise that Mike Mansfield was a Democrat.

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Dan (100% All in MAGA)'s avatar

And some AI produced history on the basic filibuster:

"The filibuster wasn't intentionally created but emerged from an 1806 Senate rule change, prompted by Aaron Burr, that eliminated a way to end debate, allowing for indefinite delays; the tactic became common by the mid-19th century, leading to the formal

cloture rule (Rule 22) in 1917, which required a two-thirds vote to stop it, later lowered to 60 votes.

Origins (Early 1800s):

Aaron Burr's Influence (1805-1806): Vice President Aaron Burr suggested the Senate's rules were too complex, leading to the removal of the "previous question" motion, a way to cut off debate with a simple majority vote, inadvertently enabling endless debate.

Exploitation: Senators, notably John C. Calhoun, recognized this loophole in the 1830s and 1840s to block legislation, especially concerning slavery.

Formalization (Early 20th Century):

President Wilson's Frustration (1917): President Woodrow Wilson pushed for action against Senate obstruction, leading to Rule 22, the first cloture rule, requiring a two-thirds vote (67 senators) to end debate.

Evolution & Modern Era:

Civil Rights Era: Southern senators used the filibuster extensively to block civil rights legislation.

1975 Reform: The cloture requirement was lowered to three-fifths (60 votes) and a "two-track" system was introduced to allow other business during a filibuster.

"Nuclear Option": In 2013, Democrats eliminated the filibuster for most presidential nominees, followed by Republicans applying it to Supreme Court nominees under President Trump, making the 60-vote threshold the norm for major legislation. "

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Lori's avatar

Lazy to the nth degree. Grrr.

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RunningLogic's avatar

💯

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Valerie's avatar

I agree, Dr Linda! Those losers need to earn their pay by actually discussing, debating, and trying to come to a consensus that benefits the majority of Americans. They’ve become lazy slackers and it needs to stop.

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Robyn Welch's avatar

They're not capable of debating, just blaming others and name calling (both sides). They can stand in front of a camera and say whatever they want, unimpeded. But they can't/won't have a civil discussion with someone who has a different opinion.

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Valerie's avatar

And this is exactly why we need to bring back debate

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Robyn Welch's avatar

Civility would be nice, too. Or even a good work ethic.

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Lori's avatar

Both left the room a long time ago:{. Now they call for killing opponents kids ie: jay jones.

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Robyn Welch's avatar

I know. And they still get elected. 🙄

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Robird's avatar

Yes, if a senator wants to block legislation they should be required to make a real effort in time and resources. A talking filibuster should be restricted to comments on the matter at hand not unrelated gibberish. Both parties use the silent filibuster as a way to avoid the responsibility of doing their job. No other way there could be a 42 day federal government shutdown. Every single Senator should be ashamed of the juvenile stunt. Unfortunately immaturity of behavior in this group has no real consequence. 90+% likelihood of being re-elected. Hardly “the world’s greatest deliberative body.” The legislative branch has rendered itself obsolete by being impotent. The US now is the Executive v. the Judiciary.

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Larry Schweikart's avatar

A great place to start in the 1970s on how obesity became an issue is in Gary Taubes' great book, "Good Calories, Bad Calories," wherein he notes the steady shift in the American Heart Association to the view that cholesterol caused heart attacks and meat/protein caused cholesterol. The AHA go ahold of this in the early 1960s---despite two major studies already disproving it---and because of a few activists got it ensconced in the infamous "food pyramid" by 1977. The shift to carbs was a key factor in touching off the epidemic. I jokingly call Panera Bread Company the house of death.

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Scott Kinkaid's avatar

And the introduction of High Fructose Corn Syrup into literally every processed food of which this society has become addicted. I’m a corn grower but this stuff is slowly killing us. Want to talk about affordability? Talk about intermittent fasting and autophagy. No cost whatsoever. Now that’s affordable!

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Peter Schott's avatar

Definitely a lot to be said about IF, but man - that takes some willpower to intentionally abstain. The benefits are great, but ... food is _so_ tasty. :D

(And for those curious about intermittent fasting, Dr. Fung has some great resources/books that talk about that in detail and give some ideas to proceed.)

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Scott Kinkaid's avatar

Really not as difficult as one might think. You’re already doing it. You’re not eating while you sleep. Just expand on that. Eat a little earlier in the evening or a little later in the morning or both. And leaning about autophagy makes it even easier.

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Margot Wooster's avatar

So skipping breakfast could actually be good?

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Scott Kinkaid's avatar

I believe Kellogg developed the slogan ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ to sell cereal. Really, not important,at all.

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RunningLogic's avatar

I think it is if you are doing hard manual labor but in today’s world a hearty breakfast is not so necessary.

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Valerie's avatar

Intermittent fasting isn’t optimal for most women, something to do with how estrogen ebbs and flows through the day if I remember right. But it often works great for men.

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shibumi's avatar

My experience is the opposite. Female here. I don't like breakfast. AT all. Never have. I can miss it with no problem.

My husband gets up and eats like he's starving. He hardcore carb loads. If he doesn't eat in the morning, he gets sick.

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Margot Wooster's avatar

I have heard quite a bit about how harmful seed oils are, as well.

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Scott Kinkaid's avatar

I grow soybeans and deliver them to a processing plant. One sign at the plant has an arrow pointing specifically to the hexane receiving spot for trucks delivering hexane. Keep that in mind.

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RebeccaGrrrl's avatar

Was just talking to a friend of mine about this last night. Love your POV “no coast whatsoever. That’s affordable!” You bet your bippy it is, and so healthy.

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Susan Seas's avatar

In the 80’s it was all about working out and eating low fat. Well how did that work out for us? I have said for decades, low fat means full of CR*P!!

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Bitsy54's avatar

They replaced “fat” with sugar to make the processed poison taste good…not a good swap!

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shibumi's avatar

There are now people who think that "fat" is actually healthy and necessary.

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Johnny-O's avatar

We are swimming in toxic endocrine disruptors which dysregulates your metabolism among many other things.

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Susan Clack's avatar

💯💯💯🎯🎯🎯🏆🏆🏆

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🌱Nard🙏's avatar

A great read is The Big Fat Surprise. Outlines it all.

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Bubblehead604's avatar

Agree. She also did an easy-to-digest 20-minute TEDx talk outlining the book's major points: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CHGiid6N9Q .

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Dana Hope's avatar

I see what you did there. 😆Digest.

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Bubblehead604's avatar

😎

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shibumi's avatar

This kind of ties into the concepts of a keto diet.

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Bill Lacey's avatar

House of death is an apt description. The amount of sodium Panera puts in their products is jaw-dropping. Their breakfast sandwiches top out at around 1,400 milligrams and their lunch sandwiches max out at over 3,500 milligrams.

About ten years ago at my annual physical, my blood pressure came in as borderline hypertension. I went directly to the library and took out books on dealing with hypertension naturally. That got me started reading the food labels on everything I was eating. The amount of sodium in just about everything was stunning. Anyway, long story short, I immediately began limiting my sodium intake to under 2,000 milligrams per day. I went back 3 months later and my blood pressure had returned to "normal".

I put normal in quotes because I've also come to realize the government / medical industrial complex published numbers for normal blood pressure are as wrong as just about everything else they recommend.

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Jean V's avatar

I'm glad it worked for you, but there's no actual science to support that reducing sodium has any impact on blood pressure.

https://garytaubes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/science-political-science-of-salt1.pdf

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Juju's avatar

Nina Teicholz “The Big Fat Surprise” gives a thorough history into the adulteration of the food pyramid and scams of nutritionists.

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Politico Phil's avatar

"Fat pills!" We really are a drug dependent society. We eat a toxic diet based on the fallacious "food pyramid" of foods loaded with toxins that cause us to overeat and then we want to cure it with a cheap, toxic drug. We are hamsters on a wheel going nowhere.

It use to be, pre-1960, that being hungry was a normal condition for humans. Now we want to be satiated ALL the time. Hunger pains are now intolerable. Hunger pains must be chemically neutered.

Now I'll allow that a few people may need the help of a fat pill due to medical or other conditions. But not enough to be a major pharma profit center driven as it is now by commercials and the need for "painless" gratification. And I won't even touch on drug related side-effects.

Want to lose weight? Eat less food. This is the formula for prolly 90%+ of all people. I gained weight after I retired and one day I looked in a mirror and said "That's enough." So I cut down my meals to once a day instead of three meals a day based only on healthy food. Yup... I was hungry every day. That told me my diet was working so eventually hunger became my friend. I lost 30 pounds in 3 months and once I reached my healthy weight I went back to two meals a day but restricted to only healthy foods of meat, vege and a little fresh fruit. Carbs are restricted to exceptions. That seems to maintain my weight without gaining weight.

It's simple math.

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Politico Phil's avatar

BTW, two meals a day easily fits into an "intermittent fasting" program of eating all meals within a 6 hour period and fasting the remaining 18 hours each day which has proven longevity benefits.

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Bitsy54's avatar

Panera to a carboholic like me is akin to a bar to an alcoholic.

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Dr Linda's avatar

Exit Covid poison shots, enter GLP-1 shots and pills.

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JasonT's avatar

Can't wait to hear about the side effects.

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Dr Linda's avatar

There are numerous side effects; they are leaking out. Also, if you watch the commercials for some bizarre reason, they are starting to be listed. Also when one stops taking these drugs, the fat comes back. I don’t think we know if that is inevitable

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Margot Wooster's avatar

My thoughts exactly.

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shibumi's avatar
7hEdited

They can cause cancer.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563/full

Because nothing profits Big Pharma like cancer.

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Bitsy54's avatar

Yep….turn off your gut so you’re not hungry….same Deal with the Devil as swapping fat for sugar during the horribly misinformation period of “low fat is good” My friend lost weight with Wegovy shots, She looks great but now has bald spots on her head and can’t poop with daily shots of Miralax. Time will tell what Norris occur when your stomach doesn’t produce enough acid to digest food properly.

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RunningLogic's avatar

At least no one is mandating those. (Yet 😑).

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Dan (100% All in MAGA)'s avatar

re: "The so-called “filibuster” is not a law or even a rule. It is a tactic."

Has anyone ever noticed that most of the "senators" don't even bother to remain in the Senate chamber during debate - those debating are debating themselves as everyone else is gone. Why are they allowed to leave? Is leaving part of doing the work of the USA? They've simply made it comfortable for themselves to grandstand while accomplishing nothing but obstruction. The 100 of them should have to stay in the chamber, except for scheduled breaks for food or restroom, and be closely monitored until debate is ended and a vote can proceed.

The Senate has evolved into a method for the uniparty and deep state to keep control and with no votes to show who is doing what to make better or worsen the state of the country. All while making big bank for themselves from lobbyists and getting their kickbacks from watered-down redistribution legislation they finally let through. They are both criminals and cowards.

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RunningLogic's avatar

I agree! Make them stay!

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Sue Kelley's avatar

Withholding pay and benefits until they accomplish something would do the trick. Pay them by the completed task instead of salarying them. Not enough hours of work to pay for your benefits? Oops no healthcare this month and 30 days of waiting to reinstate, just like the public workers

Oh and random checks on your earnings to make certain they aren't coming from somewhere else

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Robird's avatar

The legislative branch is increasingly obsolete . They cannot even fulfill the minimum function of producing a budget, giving up their function of the “power of the purse.” Just a series of continuing resolutions. The only thing Congress people are serious about is enriching themselves.

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Miss Teacup's avatar

Would anything improve if we brought back dueling? Scrap the filibuster, name your second, and repair to the Rose Garden. It would help with term limits at the very least.

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Dan (100% All in MAGA)'s avatar

Amen. But they are too cowardly, they wont even face each other in debate!

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RunningLogic's avatar

I’d vote for that! 😁

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Miss Teacup's avatar

🤣

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Bgagnon's avatar

🥰😆👌

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Kat's avatar

Merry Christmas Jeff and Family!! May the birth of our Lord be forever remembered during this season. We anxiously keep watch for His 2nd return at the sounding of Trumpets at the four corners of the Earth! Peace on Earth & Good Will towards men!

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Robin Esau's avatar

Love the first advent and looking forward to the next🌟

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JC's avatar

One reason for ballooning waistlines is a statistic I saw recently in an article on the “poverty-line”. Back in decades past when housing was so “cheap”, food expense was around 33% of an average family budget. People bought zero snacks, soda, and desserts. Everything was homemade and simple food was the basis of the diet.

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Alison Smith's avatar

I think it's all of the chemicals in foods too. I just watched a video about how the gut biome of obese people is completely different than that of thin people.

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JC's avatar

I agree, but the average family couldn’t afford to buy junk food until it became super cheap and widely available - and mothers started working outside the home.

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shibumi's avatar

Is it that junk food is cheap and real food is expensive or is it that junk food is fast and easy? Or both?

I'd say both.

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Alison Smith's avatar

True- there was also very little to choose from back in the 1970's re: junk food. Plus a super strict diet culture, at least among women. All of the women's magazines had the latest diet published in them.

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Pat Wetzel's avatar

Remember "you can't be too rich or too thin?"

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Lydia Lozano's avatar

I believe desserts are a centuries-long dietary tradition. Our forebears would never have denied themselves pie and cake and crème brûlée. You are right, though, about snacks and sodas being a fairly recent development.

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Jeff S's avatar

Frozen mini marshmallows are good for you. Case closed.

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Essay33's avatar

Okay, that made me actually laugh out loud.

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Essay33's avatar

I don't know what's more impressive, how utterly dorky yet still amusing that video is, or the fact that after 18 years people are still watching and commenting on it.

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Jeff S's avatar

Like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, some things never go out of style?

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RJ Rambler's avatar

Eat dandelions. Drink sugar fermented fruit juices with ginger and tea ie kombucha with cloves, ACV with mother. It's s easy and delicious!

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Juju's avatar
6hEdited

ACV cured my GERD. It took almost 18 months of persistent morning routine to do it because I have no gall bladder and spent two decades with the worse symptoms. I almost gave up believing it couldn’t work for me like others, but stuck with it and eventually it did!! I drink 2T every morning in my electrolytes with my vitamins and have no problem with my high fat high protein diet at all now. So thankful for it.

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RunningLogic's avatar

I often ate dandelion greens with olive oil and salt, as a kid 😁 We were good foragers in my household!

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Jeff S's avatar

I ate dandelion greens, too, thanks to my big brother. He insisted.

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Lydia Lozano's avatar

Drinking ACV with or without the mother risks a hospital visit for some people, and repeated doses could be fatal for them. Dandelion, related to ragweed, can trigger severe respiratory and skin reactions such as eczema outbreaks in some people. Maybe easy and questionably delicious isn't for everyone.

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Sue Kelley's avatar

The addition of round up on most the dandelions in my neighborhood could be a problem as well. In multiple ways.

Saw two entire families die from eating foraged food. One family saw something they thought was the same as in their country, all poisoned.

The other ate mushrooms they thought were safe.

Because it poisoned their livers, there was nothing we could do, couldn't get transplants fast enough. Tragic beyond words💔

Educate yourself before you forage.

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Susan Clack's avatar

I think my Swedish-Norwegian Grandmother would agree...I believe daily dessert is in my DNA. Or, I'm looking for a dopamine hit ... 🙄

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Lydia Lozano's avatar

I prefer my dopamine hit with piles of fresh whipped cream. I think most of us have dessert in our DNA.

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Ruth's avatar

Grateful Calvin/@shoveitjack pointed out on X, that while the Shrivers and Kennedys are unhappy with the Trump-Kennedy center renaming, President Trump COULD HAVE named it the "Mary Jo Kopechne Center for Performing Arts."

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Tom's avatar

It's not too late . . .

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Jeff S's avatar

...to whip it! Whip it good!

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Essay33's avatar

That's TWICE now you've made me laugh out loud. It's a good thing the office is 3/4 empty this morning.

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Jeff S's avatar

Our office was full this morning until the IT guy silently passed his gingerbread gas. Again. Boy did this place clear out!

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RunningLogic's avatar

😂

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Bgagnon's avatar

Good point!!!

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Sue Kelley's avatar

I can't believe no one on Trump's team thought of THAT. 🤣🤣🤣

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RunningLogic's avatar

😬

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Jpeach's avatar

Congress is a broken dysfunctional Branch of Government. They are the greedy foxes guarding the hen house. 90% of Congress is likely compromised. Expecting Congress to fix itself is not going to happen. Not sure what the fix is?

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Robert McCluskey's avatar

Vote them OUT!

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Robird's avatar

There is a structural issue with the house and senate in their design.

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Barbara Lee's avatar

About the $3000 to leave, it might help if we shut off the money tap of welfare and medical aid they currently enjoy.

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Peter Schott's avatar

They're working on it as quickly as they can - up to the time some judge says "no, we have to keep giving our money to non-citizens". Saw the blurb a little bit ago about the govt invoking the "repayment" clause that so many NGOs ignored about being responsible for paying back the govt for benefits the illegals somehow managed to get. That could be a lot of $$$ and deter many from working to get the benefits out like that.

It's so widespread, poorly accounted for, and part of the grifting that it takes a lot of effort to turn off these spigots.

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Barbara Lee's avatar

True, the administration has my prayers that God bless and guide them safely through this darkness!

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Bitsy54's avatar

That would be my first choice. Throw them out of the”free housing”, cut off their Obama phone, throw the kids out of school, no more medical care….make it as ugly for them to exist n society as the PRO VAXXERS tried making it for the unvaxxed!

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Steve Stevens's avatar

We shouldn’t be raising the amount that we pay them. This will just incentivize them to hold out for more.

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Bgagnon's avatar

Exactly! Such a simple solution! And they don’t do that because they benefit in many ways from same old - same old!

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