TV & Reality

As my wife’s illness progresses, she has more difficulty with TV. I keep telling her the shows aren’t real. It angers her, accusing me of not knowing.

Reality television has increasingly blurred the lines between authenticity and scripted entertainment. Take, for instance, the popular storage auction shows that once seemed genuine. Initially, I believed in their raw, unscripted nature, much like how professional wrestling was once perceived as a legitimate sport. However, as I continued watching, the interactions became noticeably more choreographed. The verbal exchanges began to feel less spontaneous and more like carefully crafted dialogue, revealing the manufactured drama behind the scenes. This realization prompted me to question the credibility of reality programming and the extent to which these shows are actually “real.”

In contemporary television, scripted dialogue has evolved from polished, rehearsed exchanges to more spontaneous narratives that draw inspiration from current events, challenging viewers to engage more critically with the storytelling.

In our increasingly complex media landscape, discerning truth from fabrication has become a challenging endeavor. News programs, despite their polished studios and professional veneer, often present conflicting narratives that shift with alarming frequency. While these broadcasts remain our primary source of information, critical viewers must carefully navigate the terrain of reporting, constantly evaluating the credibility of each statement. The more inconsistencies and retractions emerge, the more skeptical audiences become, eroding trust in traditional media platforms and challenging our understanding of objective reality.

As I confide in my wife, professional football stands as our sole bastion of authenticity in a world of manufactured narratives. The raw intensity of athletes competing for championship glory seems unparalleled, a genuine spectacle of human determination. Yet, with recent gambling controversies casting long shadows across the sport, I find myself questioning its integrity. Perhaps the gridiron is slowly transforming into just another scripted performance, trading genuine athletic passion for manufactured drama.

The Logical Conclusion About Gambling & Corruption

Throughout my exploration of gambling’s complex landscape, I have critically examined numerous perspectives surrounding its societal implications. While my previous writings have unequivocally demonstrated my stance against gambling, this particular analysis focuses narrowly on its profound impact on governmental structures and fiscal policies.

The pervasive nature of gambling’s influence is evident through a systematic pattern of suppression and tacit acceptance. Political figures who might challenge its prevalence either remain silent or quickly find themselves marginalized. Those rare individuals who vocally oppose gambling often experience swift political consequences, effectively neutralizing potential resistance. Even passionate private citizens who attempt to combat gambling’s spread typically abandon their efforts after encountering significant obstacles. The entrenched system seems designed to discourage meaningful opposition, creating an environment where challenging gambling’s expansion becomes increasingly difficult and personally risky.

In the wake of recent gambling scandals permeating professional sports, particularly basketball and baseball, a troubling pattern emerges. The initial public outcry and media frenzy will inevitably subside, leaving no substantive legal or regulatory reforms in their wake. As public attention wanes, the gambling industry will continue its unchecked influence, revealing a stark reality: gambling interests wield significant power over both governmental institutions and media narratives.

And they do have help, those who refuse to vote against these gambling interests. Instead, they encourage it by their participation. If everyone refused to take part in it, there would be no need for a vote. There would be no need for a law. It would simply go away.

Those Getting on the Wrong Ship…

Should not be surprised if they find themselves arriving to the wrong location.

Simple. Obvious. Yet ignored by so many. For example, Memphians vote for Democrats and are surprised by the upturn in crime. They are taken aback when they have the worst schools in Tennessee.

Country Clubbers, as Bad for the Economy as Democrats

Rush Limbaugh frequently critiqued the affluent, establishment-oriented wing of the Republican Party, referring to them as the “country club segment.” Many Republicans likely dismissed his characterization without fully comprehending its deeper implications. Moreover, they seem unaware of the significant and potentially detrimental impact their political and economic approaches could have on the broader national landscape, particularly in terms of financial policy and societal economic dynamics.

One of the big reasons we had problems stopping illegal immigration is because the illegal aliens drive the wages down drastically. I hope I don’t need to explain why that is so beneficial to rich Republicans; as well as rich Democrats too. Naturally, many of the rich Republicans had as much of a desire to open the borders as the Dems did.

Though I don’t know the reason, this group also seemed to be in favor of making the killing of unborn children legal. My best guess is that they didn’t want to lose elections and their power.

Donald Trump’s political rise disrupted traditional Republican Party dynamics, challenging the established country club elite by appealing directly to a broader base of supporters. His unconventional campaign and messaging resonated with voters beyond the typical Republican establishment, potentially attracting disillusioned Democrats and working-class constituents who felt overlooked by mainstream political figures. Trump’s ability to connect with a diverse range of voters fundamentally transformed the Republican Party’s, especially those who wanted to stop illegal immigration as well as the traditional power structure and electoral strategy.

As you might have noted, many of those country club crowd have left the Republican Party and began opposing the Republican Party and Trump. No one told me why but I think I have a good guess. You will likely have a good guess too when you realize the drastic decrease in inexpensive illegal labor.

It Concerns Me Very Little

Recent speculation suggests potential legal challenges for James Comey, though concrete details remain unconfirmed. A conviction would serve multiple purposes beyond mere punishment. Primarily, such an outcome could establish a precedent for accountability among high-ranking officials. Moreover, it might potentially exonerate former President Trump and his associates from previous allegations, providing clarity to a complex political narrative.

Skepticism has become my companion, tempered by years of experience. Whispers of hope often dissolve into disappointment, leaving only the faintest traces of truth in their wake.

However, if Comey evades human legal consequences, he will ultimately face divine judgment, a reckoning far more severe than any earthly tribunal could impose.

Those who attempt to evade human justice will ultimately face a profound reckoning in the afterlife, where they and their accomplices will be granted ample time to reflect deeply on the consequences of their past actions, contemplating the moral weight of their choices throughout an endless eternity.

Casting Pearls Before Swine

Although most of the American populace do not consider themselves Christian, most recognize the the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire verse is “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” Matthew 7:6

I haven’t a clue why the words came to mind. To be sure, God could have reminded me of it. On the other hand, I just might have thought of it on my own. Regardless which way it was, God did know, even before my birth that I was going to think of it. To some degree, He just might want me to write about it. I am not saying he wants me to. However, apparently, He is going to allow me to express my thoughts on the subject.

Even if He has not told me to do it, I apparently have His permission, that is, if this gets published. He can do things like that you know. He can speak by giving me the words and He can speak by keeping me from writing the words. It is in His power.

Even so, and here is the strange part, He still gives me the choice of if I want or don’t want to write on it.

That is a sort of ultra short sermon on the theology of free will and predestination. Enough to confuse the most learned theologian, with a doctor’s degree.

At any rate, as I said, I was thinking about the verse. As in many cases, I believe that He is using His words of instruction for a multipurpose. The one most look at, the obvious one is that we should not speak His word before those who will likely treat is lightly, or worse, as if it is false.

This does prompt the question, if the guy is bad, should we never preach the word to him?

I don’t think that was the idea at all. To understand, we must look at the second meaning. To understand the second meaning, we must understand the way they looked at dogs and pigs. At that time, in that society, dogs and pigs were the worst unclean animals.

I suspect, He was talking of the pigs and dogs as much as the pearls. The pearls are highly prized. The dogs and pigs were good for nothings; bottom of the heap. It was His method of representing the worst of the worst of the human race. That is the bottom of the heap of humanity.

Now, let’s take a close look at the verse before, 7:5 which was about people who are judgmental. My guess, but do you suppose that when He is talking about the bottom of the heap, he just might be talking about those who were judgmental. Many times, Jesus spoke of two types of people, those who were sinners who sought salvation and healing, spiritually as well as physically. The others were those who were too good to need salvation. You see, the Pharisees were convinced that they didn’t need salvation. They were, by their standards without sin.

You see, he was targeting those who were “too good” to need salvation. It was they that were He was comparing with the dogs and the pigs.

To be sure, the most difficult people to lead to salvation are those who are too good to need it. Also, they are the ones who really need it the most. By Jesus’s own words, they are the dogs and the pigs. Moreover, he has warned us that if we should take care. If we try to speak the Good News to them, they just might turn on us and “rend” us, that is to say, destroy those trying to bring the Word to them.

You see, many of them have been vaccinated. They have received the vaccine of the false prophets so that they are now immune to the real word of God.

The Steam Rolling Affect

The town of DC has been in a state of upheaval since the swearing in of the new administration. It seems as if a fleet of steam rollers has descended upon the city, relentlessly searching for ways to cut costs. Fortunately, this pursuit has uncovered widespread corruption within the system.

There appears to be a significant number of politicians and judges attempting to impede the progress of the team by introducing various obstacles in an effort to slow and halt the momentum of the steamrollers.

When considering the enthusiasm and energy surrounding some, one might get the impression that those in positions of great power favor overlooking the corruption.

Oh! And by the way, it seems to be drawing the worst of the rotten news media out of the wood work as well.

Those who squeal the loudest are often the ones with the most skeletons in their closet. It’s almost as if they’re trying to distract us from their own shady dealings by pointing fingers. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

A Distortion of the Facts

It would seem, in order to make their point, they dims decided to distort the story. They weren’t the first and they won’t be the last. The dems and Satan are well aware that deceit is far more effective than a lie. It is also a reason I encourage people to read the Bible for themselves instead of relying on others. It is my personal opinion that the Bible is one of the most distorted books.

Consider the saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” While it sounds nice, I haven’t a clue who first said it. It’s not in the Bible. Then too, their are those who will say they believe in doing as the good book says; this while ignorant of what the good book says.

Then, there are those who use the word “migrant” to describe the journey of Mary and Joseph. First, the word “migrate” or any of its forms is not in the story. Please read it for yourself in the second chapter of Luke. It is better for you to read the story directly in your copy of the Bible.

They like to use the idea of Mary and Joseph being migraters for justification of an open border.

They were not migrants, nor did they cross any national borders. Their actions were totally legal. Moreover, the travel was prompted by the most powerful human on Earth at the time. The Caesar ordered Joseph to Bethlehem, in effect. Following the orders of the Caesar is not my definition of migration. I would hope it’s not yours. Otherwise, every time I go to Memphis, I would be a migrant. While technically that might be true, I would not consider it the most accurate term.

Finally, I would not use the term migration for those illegally crossing the border. Some might be criminals. Some might be smugglers. At the least they are illegal aliens.

I realize that, in the eyes of some, it is a small technicality, but it is still an undeniable fact, which the Democrats are trying their best to get us to ignore.

The truth is, they are figuratively people cutting in line, jumping in front of those obeying the laws and the rules. No matter how you look at it, it’s not just illegal, but also morally despicable. The fact that it’s wrong is likely the reason it was made illegal.

By the way, I am not the only one who dislikes the distortion of God’s word. Better that you learn from me than from God.

Computers Fix Everything

Many moons ago, more than I care to admit, I used to subscribe to PC Magazine. It had interesting and useful articles. Additionally, I enjoyed the letters to the editor. I was reading through them one day when the letter writer included a picture from an ad in the previous edition. Unfortunately, I cannot recall the witty body of the letter, but the picture was of a person removing their new computer from a box. The unusual part was that the monitor displayed the standard Windows screen.

It is the sort of thing most of us wouldn’t even notice. As I looked up a while ago, I noticed another unlikely picture. The proverbial computer expert pressed the keyboard twice. Instantly, the screen started showing all sorts of pertinent information.

I spent decades in the computer industry. I have personally known dozens of people who could do some truly amazing things with computers.

Sorry, folks. It does not work that way. Most experts these days use a mouse or touch screen for the most part. Keyboards are still used extensively, but the idea of doing everything by pressing two keys is still a long way in the future. I suspect we are closer to new computers working while still in the box.

I understand. Television shows often have time restrictions that lead to representations rather than reality. For example, when a character knocks on a door in a TV show, it takes only two seconds for the door to open. In reality, it takes me longer than that just to get out of my chair. I hope that if the police ever come knocking on my door, they will wait more than the two seconds typically depicted on television.

The point is, computers are still a far cry from the omniscient, all-powerful overlords we’ve been led to believe. Let’s not get too carried away and start bowing down to our silicon-based overlords just yet. Even the most tech-savvy among us are still limited to the constraints of their creations, try as they might to convince us otherwise.

Thank the Lord for Discipline

It is a difficult thing for a child to be thankful when his hand is being slapped but he should be. That slap on the hand is far less harmful and painful than that jolt of electricity from that wall socket.

Okay. I agree. The socket should be covered. Still, a little slap on the wrist is in order when a child starts trying to put his fingers in the socket, covered or not.

To be sure, I believe there is a big difference between discipline and punishment. The object behind punishment is justice; whereas, the object behind discipline is, or at least should be love. We as parents, from time to time, cause a little harmless pain to avoid the larger pain, or perhaps harm. As parents, we need to remember that, regardless of any anger.

When God disciplines us, it is in love and we should remember that. We should always learn from it as well as be reassured. After all, in general, people normally don’t discipline the strange child in love. When God disciplines us, it is a strong indicator that He is our Father and we are His child. It tells us we are saved and we are forever his. No one can ever take us from Him, ever.

Believe me, I have felt the hand of His discipline all too often. I didn’t like it. I am sure, I have asked why me? But He was always right and I was always wrong. And I learned and I continue to learn today, to my dismay.

How-some-ever, let me say this now before the whole world, I am so very grateful to my God that he disciplines me. It is because He loves me and that is very reassuring.

God disciplines nations too. Then, you know that. Repeatedly, he disciplined Judah when they strayed. Then, they repented and God rewarded them. The last time, God disciplined them several times and Judah turned their back on God. They called the chastising a coincidence and continued in their disobedience.

So, God increased the levels. He told them in advance and raised up the nation of Babylon. As predicted, they went into captivity and to this day, they have not returned to their former greatness.

As with Israel, I believe that the US has found favour with God. How else could we get where we are. However, if we keep turning our back to God, I have to believe that the Same thing will happen to us as Judah. If we keep writing off the warnings as coincidence, or weather change! He can raise up a nation and destroy us, as he destroyed Judah. What does makes me wonder, why has He already done it. By the way, He need not raise up another nation. He can use natural disasters, or a few terrorists with a big bomb.

As I write this, I remain in hope while I can’t help but fear. I know what it is like to feel His discipline. I do have something of an idea of what can happen, faster than anyone can imagine.

If you doubt any of this read the books of kings and chronicles in the Bible. The books, true, are religious. However, they are also very accurate history books.

Regardless; with all the blessings we have received as a nation from God, why in the world would anyone want to turn our backs on Him now? Better to receive His blessings than His discipline; or worse, His judgement.