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lees1975
lees1975's Journal
lees1975's Journal
May 31, 2022
And Trump believed this snake oil peddler.
A Doctor Claimed he had a Miracle Cure for COVID. He's Going to Prison
Source: Washington Post
Hydroxychloroquine is often prescribed to people with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and is used to treat malaria. The drug was repeatedly touted by President Donald Trump, starting in the early days of the pandemic, as a “game changer.” Trump’s endorsement caused demand for the drug to spike, leading to shortages and ultimately affecting those who needed it for non-covid health problems. Studies later found that hydroxychloroquine is not an effective treatment for covid and did not prevent people from becoming sick.
“It’s preventive and curative,” Staley said to the undercover agent, court documents show. “It’s hard to believe, it’s almost too good to be true. But it’s a remarkable clinical phenomenon.” He added that the virus “literally disappears in hours” after a person takes the drug.
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/05/31/covid-cure-doctor-jennings-staley/
And Trump believed this snake oil peddler.
May 30, 2022
Conservative Evangelical Christians insist that the Bible is without error, and infallible, and they interpret it from a literal perspective, leading to what they call "absolutes" or distinctives in doctrine that are unchangeable. But apparently, they haven't done a great job of convincing all of their church members of the absolute nature of these interpretations, because Trumpism is making an attempt to change some of the core teachings of Jesus himself, such as turning the other cheek, loving your enemies and demonstrating the veracity of your faith by putting the needs of others ahead of your own. Those are direct instructions from Jesus, recorded in the gospel accounts. But Trumpism says they're no good for getting ahead in this world.
We've turned the other cheek, and I understand, sort of, the biblical reference--I understand the mentality--but it's gotten us nothing. OK? It's gotten us nothing while we've ceded ground in every major institution in our country."--Donald Trump, Jr.
And there, wrapped up in one single quote, in context, is the theology of Trumpism. Following Jesus will get you nothing. Several of the apostles, most notably Jude, write warnings about this sort of thing happening. And yet, here, in twenty first century American Christianity, we have an egregious example.
Trumpism attempts to change Christian doctrine, theology and subvert churches
https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-subversion-of-christian-church.htmlConservative Evangelical Christians insist that the Bible is without error, and infallible, and they interpret it from a literal perspective, leading to what they call "absolutes" or distinctives in doctrine that are unchangeable. But apparently, they haven't done a great job of convincing all of their church members of the absolute nature of these interpretations, because Trumpism is making an attempt to change some of the core teachings of Jesus himself, such as turning the other cheek, loving your enemies and demonstrating the veracity of your faith by putting the needs of others ahead of your own. Those are direct instructions from Jesus, recorded in the gospel accounts. But Trumpism says they're no good for getting ahead in this world.
We've turned the other cheek, and I understand, sort of, the biblical reference--I understand the mentality--but it's gotten us nothing. OK? It's gotten us nothing while we've ceded ground in every major institution in our country."--Donald Trump, Jr.
And there, wrapped up in one single quote, in context, is the theology of Trumpism. Following Jesus will get you nothing. Several of the apostles, most notably Jude, write warnings about this sort of thing happening. And yet, here, in twenty first century American Christianity, we have an egregious example.
May 28, 2022
We aren't politicizing the deaths of those in Buffalo, California and Uvalde who were doing something they though was safe when they were murdered. We are defending their families, standing up for them, and making sure that they did not die in vain.
The only way things will change is for people to get involved and while it may seem that voting is futile, the fact of the matter is that there is strength and power in unity and using the ballot box does bring change. The Latino population in Texas is now at 42%, equal to the non-hispanic white population. But their voice in government, including elected officials of both parties, is less than a third of that percentage. They're not "immigrants." Most of the Latino population of Texas, especially in the southern third of the state, are native born, and their ancestors were there several generations before the first white American settlers arrived.
This isn't "politicizing" these shootings. Far from it, the right had already politicized the issue by their failure to enact reasonable, constitutional laws that would have prevented these shootings and those who were murdered where they thought they were safe would still be alive. The Democrats are the only ones with the plans and proposals that will put a stop to this insanity. I'd much rather be accused of politicizing the event than to have to face yet another day grieving over a classroom full of dead children because I didn't do what I could. And voting for Democrats committed to gun control is the least that I can do
Here's the Narrative for Democrats in the 2022 Midterm Election Cycle
https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/05/gifts-for-mid-terms-from-gop-to.htmlWe aren't politicizing the deaths of those in Buffalo, California and Uvalde who were doing something they though was safe when they were murdered. We are defending their families, standing up for them, and making sure that they did not die in vain.
The only way things will change is for people to get involved and while it may seem that voting is futile, the fact of the matter is that there is strength and power in unity and using the ballot box does bring change. The Latino population in Texas is now at 42%, equal to the non-hispanic white population. But their voice in government, including elected officials of both parties, is less than a third of that percentage. They're not "immigrants." Most of the Latino population of Texas, especially in the southern third of the state, are native born, and their ancestors were there several generations before the first white American settlers arrived.
This isn't "politicizing" these shootings. Far from it, the right had already politicized the issue by their failure to enact reasonable, constitutional laws that would have prevented these shootings and those who were murdered where they thought they were safe would still be alive. The Democrats are the only ones with the plans and proposals that will put a stop to this insanity. I'd much rather be accused of politicizing the event than to have to face yet another day grieving over a classroom full of dead children because I didn't do what I could. And voting for Democrats committed to gun control is the least that I can do
May 26, 2022
Candidates all pointing out why their other GOP opponents are incompetent idiots, and completely unqualified to be the governor.
In true Trumpie fashion, the Republicans are ripping into each other, laying out all of their faults and making the case that none of them should be allowed to get anywhere near the governorship of Illinois, based on their total lack of character, lying about their record, and--this is a good one--lying about all of the monetary contributions they are getting from Democrats, including from Governor Pritzker. The lies are outlandish. But they are giving the Democrats their campaign theme.
They've got some time, between now and the primary, to really hand this to the Governor on a silver, or perhaps even gold, platter. On social media, even conservative Republicans are complaining about the candidates. The media is trying really hard to be fair, at least equally to the GOP candidates, but they're having trouble not pointing out polling data that shows this will be a runaway for Governor Pritzker. He'd be difficult to run against, being one of the best governors in the country.
The Republican Gubernatorial Primary in Illinois is a mess
https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/05/republican-democratic-gubernatorial.htmlCandidates all pointing out why their other GOP opponents are incompetent idiots, and completely unqualified to be the governor.
In true Trumpie fashion, the Republicans are ripping into each other, laying out all of their faults and making the case that none of them should be allowed to get anywhere near the governorship of Illinois, based on their total lack of character, lying about their record, and--this is a good one--lying about all of the monetary contributions they are getting from Democrats, including from Governor Pritzker. The lies are outlandish. But they are giving the Democrats their campaign theme.
They've got some time, between now and the primary, to really hand this to the Governor on a silver, or perhaps even gold, platter. On social media, even conservative Republicans are complaining about the candidates. The media is trying really hard to be fair, at least equally to the GOP candidates, but they're having trouble not pointing out polling data that shows this will be a runaway for Governor Pritzker. He'd be difficult to run against, being one of the best governors in the country.
May 26, 2022
Every Democrat should be doing what Beto O'Rourke did today.
Get in the face of stonewalling, do-nothing Republicans and challenge their lies, conspiracy theories, stonewalling, inaction and their idiotic insanity.
These people should not be able to walk down the sidewalk without having to face their incompetence and idiocy. Get it on camera and let it roll.
May 25, 2022
It's a dilemma for sure. Denominational leaders must choose between protecting themselves, their positions of power and the interests of those who appointed them to the executive committee, or acting in a manner that is consistent with their Christian testimony and values. And that's the real choice here. What was going on was not consistent with Christian faith and practice in any sense of those terms.
The problems that the denomination is facing, this issue in particular, is at least partly due to the blending of secular, right wing politics with Biblical doctrine and theology being preached from pulpits. Their own doctrine, which includes affirmation of the Bible's inerrancy, states very clearly that infiltration by "worldly influences" posing as allies will lead to the corruption of the church's mission and purpose. Trumpism, which is all about protecting power by hiding truth and promoting lies, has done to the Southern Baptist convention and many of its churches exactly what the Bible's writers warned about. Just look at what's happened to Southern Baptists as a result of this sexual abuse scandal.
Now, they must face a reality that is screaming to the world that Southern Baptists are not any closer to God, more theologically and doctrinally correct, or "better Christians" than those in any other denomination, and they don't seem to have an answer for this problem that has been going on for at least four decades that we know of. Is the leadership they have, in the limited little circle of influencers and kingmakers who run the SBC now, capable of the kind of admission of guilt and repentance that will be required to demonstrate sincerity? Will they step up and actually do something besides dialogue and investigation?
There are political implications in the Southern Baptist Clergy Sexual Abuse Scandal
https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/05/for-southern-baptists-lessons-to-be.htmlIt's a dilemma for sure. Denominational leaders must choose between protecting themselves, their positions of power and the interests of those who appointed them to the executive committee, or acting in a manner that is consistent with their Christian testimony and values. And that's the real choice here. What was going on was not consistent with Christian faith and practice in any sense of those terms.
The problems that the denomination is facing, this issue in particular, is at least partly due to the blending of secular, right wing politics with Biblical doctrine and theology being preached from pulpits. Their own doctrine, which includes affirmation of the Bible's inerrancy, states very clearly that infiltration by "worldly influences" posing as allies will lead to the corruption of the church's mission and purpose. Trumpism, which is all about protecting power by hiding truth and promoting lies, has done to the Southern Baptist convention and many of its churches exactly what the Bible's writers warned about. Just look at what's happened to Southern Baptists as a result of this sexual abuse scandal.
Now, they must face a reality that is screaming to the world that Southern Baptists are not any closer to God, more theologically and doctrinally correct, or "better Christians" than those in any other denomination, and they don't seem to have an answer for this problem that has been going on for at least four decades that we know of. Is the leadership they have, in the limited little circle of influencers and kingmakers who run the SBC now, capable of the kind of admission of guilt and repentance that will be required to demonstrate sincerity? Will they step up and actually do something besides dialogue and investigation?
May 24, 2022
Dr. Russell Moore was the executive director of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention up until this past winter. The ERLC is the lobby and public policy arm of the SBC, and primarily deals with religious liberty issues on behalf of the convention. Dr. Moore was a never-Trumper on moral and ethical grounds. He was one of the few individuals within the executive leadership of Southern Baptist entities to step up in response to the revelations of sexual abuse among ministers and church staff members by the Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express News investigation that exposed it. He was pressured by members of the executive committee and subjected to unjustified and unauthorized "investigations." According to the report by GuidePost Solutions, released Sunday afternoon, there was also resistance and opposition to his push for transparency and a resolution for the victims because, as is now known, they were covering up and protecting denominational assets, and their own power and position, by avoiding action.
Dr. Moore was raised in Southern Baptist churches, educated in its institutions and served in its churches, but after this, has left a ministry career and local church home behind, joining a non-denominational congregation and the staff of Christianity Today. The article that is linked to him is from that publication.
Former Southern Baptist Lobbyist Calls the Sexual Abuse Crisis "The Southern Baptist Apocalypse"
https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-southern-baptist-convention-is.htmlDr. Russell Moore was the executive director of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention up until this past winter. The ERLC is the lobby and public policy arm of the SBC, and primarily deals with religious liberty issues on behalf of the convention. Dr. Moore was a never-Trumper on moral and ethical grounds. He was one of the few individuals within the executive leadership of Southern Baptist entities to step up in response to the revelations of sexual abuse among ministers and church staff members by the Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express News investigation that exposed it. He was pressured by members of the executive committee and subjected to unjustified and unauthorized "investigations." According to the report by GuidePost Solutions, released Sunday afternoon, there was also resistance and opposition to his push for transparency and a resolution for the victims because, as is now known, they were covering up and protecting denominational assets, and their own power and position, by avoiding action.
Dr. Moore was raised in Southern Baptist churches, educated in its institutions and served in its churches, but after this, has left a ministry career and local church home behind, joining a non-denominational congregation and the staff of Christianity Today. The article that is linked to him is from that publication.
May 21, 2022
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-20/us-growth-seen-outpacing-china-s-for-first-time-since-1976
There are several posts about this scattered around DU. It's been a pretty good week overall.
In spite of the fact that the Chinese government is subsidizing and attempting to stimulate the economy with various measures, the United States will see greater economic growth this year, for the first time since 1976. Coming during a mid-term election year, and remembering James Carville's election predicting advice, "It's the economy, stupid," this is good news. I know that policy and economic news doesn't always overcome the sensationalism of social issues and the repetitive loop of cable news themes pounded over and over, but there are people who pay attention to this.
Anyone who is paying attention will take note of the fact that this negates all of Trump's bombast about economic progress "never seen before in history." Well, he was a liar and his facts were skewed, but the economy under Biden has passed his benchmarks in both economic growth and job growth, with unemployment also being lower than we've seen it in five decades, including at any time under the failed former President 45.
Another win for the Biden Administration
https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/05/another-win-for-biden-administration.htmlhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-20/us-growth-seen-outpacing-china-s-for-first-time-since-1976
There are several posts about this scattered around DU. It's been a pretty good week overall.
In spite of the fact that the Chinese government is subsidizing and attempting to stimulate the economy with various measures, the United States will see greater economic growth this year, for the first time since 1976. Coming during a mid-term election year, and remembering James Carville's election predicting advice, "It's the economy, stupid," this is good news. I know that policy and economic news doesn't always overcome the sensationalism of social issues and the repetitive loop of cable news themes pounded over and over, but there are people who pay attention to this.
Anyone who is paying attention will take note of the fact that this negates all of Trump's bombast about economic progress "never seen before in history." Well, he was a liar and his facts were skewed, but the economy under Biden has passed his benchmarks in both economic growth and job growth, with unemployment also being lower than we've seen it in five decades, including at any time under the failed former President 45.
May 21, 2022
Or is it to try and peel off conservative viewers who will never trust CNN anyway?
What's happening in Georgia right now is that the awareness of all of the Trump shenanigans in 2020, along with the very clear indications that Republicans are out to eliminate democracy, is motivating Democrats to vote in record numbers. If that happens in November, you will be able to thank Governor Stacy Abrams.
It also appears that in Arizona, polls show Democrats on the verge of a turnout win that will re-elect Senator Kelly, turn the state legislature blue and put a Democrat in the governor's mansion.
CNN is hard to figure sometimes.
Is the purpose of editorials like this to motivate Democrats to vote in the midterms?
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/20/opinions/joe-biden-democrats-november-midterms-zelizer/index.htmlOr is it to try and peel off conservative viewers who will never trust CNN anyway?
What's happening in Georgia right now is that the awareness of all of the Trump shenanigans in 2020, along with the very clear indications that Republicans are out to eliminate democracy, is motivating Democrats to vote in record numbers. If that happens in November, you will be able to thank Governor Stacy Abrams.
It also appears that in Arizona, polls show Democrats on the verge of a turnout win that will re-elect Senator Kelly, turn the state legislature blue and put a Democrat in the governor's mansion.
CNN is hard to figure sometimes.
May 20, 2022
Marjorie Taylor Green might have won a conservative congressional district in the deep South, in Georgia, but Tim Ryan is banking on the fact that her conspiracy theories and her nutcase politics won't play well in Cleveland, or Columbus or Cincinnati or Akron. Or Zanesville.
And I'm fairly certain that they won't.
Oh, I am sure there are plenty of Ohioans who buy into everything that Greene thinks represents the real world. It's a poison that a lot of people can't seem to resist the temptation to resist, and just because you live in Ohio doesn't mean you aren't susceptible to being gullible or ignorant. But Ohioans don't see all of the things she does or says, especially the extremist rhetoric based on conspiracy theories that can't be reconciled with any existing or known fact. I knew she was a nutcase lunatic, but some of what he features in his commercial is as bad and as crazy as anything she says. And playing, and replaying, Vance's endorsement and approval of her is a great way to help people make the connection.
Here's the kind of political ad I like to see Democrats run
https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/05/new-tim-ryan-for-senate-ad-is-exactly.htmlMarjorie Taylor Green might have won a conservative congressional district in the deep South, in Georgia, but Tim Ryan is banking on the fact that her conspiracy theories and her nutcase politics won't play well in Cleveland, or Columbus or Cincinnati or Akron. Or Zanesville.
And I'm fairly certain that they won't.
Oh, I am sure there are plenty of Ohioans who buy into everything that Greene thinks represents the real world. It's a poison that a lot of people can't seem to resist the temptation to resist, and just because you live in Ohio doesn't mean you aren't susceptible to being gullible or ignorant. But Ohioans don't see all of the things she does or says, especially the extremist rhetoric based on conspiracy theories that can't be reconciled with any existing or known fact. I knew she was a nutcase lunatic, but some of what he features in his commercial is as bad and as crazy as anything she says. And playing, and replaying, Vance's endorsement and approval of her is a great way to help people make the connection.
