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There is nothing special about the Number 3. But it took on a whole new meaning for me in 1993. St. Louis, MO In 1993, the transit Agency in St. Louis, known as the Bi-State Development Agency (BSDA) built and operated a seventeen-mile light rail system; a line referred to as MetroLink. At this time, there were no rail transit system in Missouri making MetroLink a big deal. Big Changes BSDA provided the bus transit public service crossing the Mississippi River serving passengers in both MO and Illinois. All of their bus operators were unionized and, as part of the collecting bargaining agreement, all future Train Operators must come from the existing unionized bus operators. This may sound like no big deal, but believe me it is. Union Seniority For those not familiar with how Unions work, “Seniority” is everything. Seniority is simple to understand; the longer one is an employee of the transit agency Union, he or she gets to pick the best jobs, work hours, and vacation times than those with less seniority than they. So, when it was time for the bus drivers to decide to move from driving a bus to a train, the most senior bus operators called all of the shots. It was predictable that the highest seniority bus drivers would choose to drive a train as opposed to a bus. Driving a bus is not an easy job. They fight traffic all day and sometimes passengers who won’t pay their fares or are just obnoxious. Driving a train, in comparison to a bus, is a dream job. Train Operators do not have to fight traffic or even talk to passengers at all. In Short, anyone driving buses for 30 or more years predictably chose to transfer from being a bus driver to a train operator—and that’s exactly what happened. Seniority & Self Interest I was given the opportunity of a life time in 1993 when I was asked to be the “Director of Train Operations.” for MetroLink. Part of my duties was to transfer the most senior bus operators and train them to be Train Operators. As expected, when I posted the combination of daily train routes/runs, the most senior train operators picked the best day runs and days off. Each Operator, out of “Self-Interest” picked the most coveted schedules. No surprise—they operated “Rationally” and in their " Self-Interests ." These two terms are self-explanatory, but I doubt most people know how significant they play out in our World Economy and specifically how they persuade, manipulate and control your spending behavior. As such, I found it important to understand the subtle forces at work that “control me” because I don’t want to “be controlled” and I suspect neither do you. So put your thinking hat on and figure out what causes you to do what you do with your money. Economics 101 In college Economic classes, there is a theory that people (consumers) will always choose based upon their “Self Interest” –a label tagged by Adam Smith in his book “The Wealth of Nations.” Smith is considered the "Father of Capitalism" and he changed the way the world produces everything from food to supplies and appliances of all sorts. Smith made the observation that People are Rationale and as such, they will make decisions based upon their self-interest. He coined the following phrase: The “Rationale Man” (Us) will more often (if not always) choose based upon their “Self-Interests.” This logic caught on quickly and it gave the world a means to predict consumer behavior so as to guide effective production of vendors to maximize profits. But that was only half of what he gave us. Around the mid 1700s, Smith made another observation. He showed the world how to maximize wealth through specialization of the world's work forces. But, I wish to focus upon the Rationality principled for the purpose of this narrative. He was actually a brilliant and a humanitarian--and Not a Greedy Capitalist. He would roll over in his grave if he new his prinicipals were being twisted to suggesting he and real Capitalism is about getting as much as you can from as many people as you can regardless if these other people were to be hurt in the process. The idea that hedonism was at the heart of Capitalism today and being taught that Hedonism is a virtue as "what is good for me" is good for everyone (regardless of the collateral damage caused in the process. The world's new understanding how people are Rationale resulting in them or choosing in one's self interest may give you a better understanding why you are the victims of so many commercials and advertising. Producers are working hard to appeal to you to buy a vendor’s product by convincing you that purchasing it, you are acting rationally and in your “best- interest” so pull out your wallet for the “best-interest” of the vendor. Everyone WINS based upon Rationally choosing what is their Best-Interests. BUT, IT IS A BALANCE ACT. If the balance gets out of whack and the Weight of Self-Interest exceeds that of the collective Interests of Others, Greed wins and all that is good looses. Rationally choosing in one’s Self Interest is the very DNA which propels our world economics… But, is this accurate? I thought so until I dealt with #3. #3 And The Irrational Man acting against Self Interests? One of my jobs was to afford management opportunities to senior train operators when such positions became available. That was one of the best parts of my job as I enjoyed rewarding those who proved to be good train operators and who seemed to have the “right stuff.” When a management position became available, I wanted to promote one of the train operators. Let’s call him John. John had a very high seniority number. He had the 3rd highest seniority amongst all the train operators. I called John into my office and offered him a Supervisory management position. The promotion came with a number of benefits such as: higher pay, not having to behind a train console all day, better and longer vacations, and others. Also, being a management employee, he didn’t have to be concerned with seniority ever again as management staff operated quite differently. This was a “no brainer” or so I thought. Number #4 I expected John to be exuberant and anxious to transition to a better job ASAP. Here, in summary, was John’s honest response and I’ll never forget it. It went something like the following: John's thining “If I’m promoted, the #4 seniority train operator (call him Sam) behind him would take over my #3 spot.” Note: Once a Train Operator was promoted to Supervisor, he/she would forfeit his seniority as it no longer applied. For decades the #4 Operator (Sam) coveted #3 (John’s) position. It turns out #3 and #4 were not the best of friends. From what I was told, John would always find out what Sam desired when it came to everything important to all the drivers including Days Worked, Weekends Off, Vacation Picks, etc. Once John found what Sam wanted, John picked them so Sam could not get what he desired. My Epiphany When I understood that John (#3) wanted to remain a train operator in order to frustrated Sam (#4), I concluded that John was not rationally behaving by choosing in his “Self-Interests.” I was surprised and disappointed. But the biggest surprise was he did so only in spite of Sam (#4). John would “be damned” before he allowed Sam get what Sam wanted. Imagine, John refused a better job, higher pay, better days off and more because he found more satisfaction screwing Sam (#4). It turned out that I was wrong and that John was not management position based upon his immature and punitive response. If Adam Smith was still alive, he would have to rethink and/or modify his powerful assumption as John did not prove to be a “Rationale Man” who acted in “Self-Interest.”

11/26/2020 In Chapter 31 (post below), I described a number of incidents where I and others encountered Michael following his passing now over 3 years. Recently, Shea sent me the following email describing Michael's meeting with him in his dreams. What makes his experience so unique and significant is that he has had such a dream on several occasions following the loss of others close to him as he describes below. FromShea: I'm a firm believer in our departed loved ones keeping in touch as I've experienced it several times myself. My mom passed away when I was 24, and she visited me in a dream one night. I remember it so vividly as she was dressed in clothes from the 1960s and appeared to be about 21 or so - the age she would have been back then. I wasn't born until 1981, so I would have never seen her at that age or dressed that way which was strange. In the dream, I was standing at the top of a big hill covered in vibrant green grass. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining brilliantly. She walked up to me and gave me a big hug that woke me from my sleep. This dream was so much more real than any other dream I've ever had, and I knew in my heart it was her stopping by to let me know she is happy and at peace. This same dream also happened to me shortly after other loved ones have passed - same hill, same sky, same hug. It seems to be a recurring dream for me and must be one of the ways I connect with the spiritual world. The reason I'm telling you is because Mike appeared in this same dream for me shortly after he passed. He looked young and energetic and gave me a hug that seemed to say "thank you for being a friend," and "don't worry about me, I'm happy and free!" I woke up the same way and had the same deep sense of knowing that it was really him. I wanted to tell you guys sooner, but it was only a few days after he passed, and I wanted to give you time to grieve. Chapter 31 reminded me and is the perfect opportunity for me to share. I hope this gives you more peace and comfort as it did for me. Shea

11/26/2020 Shea, one of Michael's closest friends, sent me his memories of him. What I most enjoyed was Shea's characterization of Michael... "He also had a caring and generous side that I’ll always remember him for" What a great way to be remembered... Michael's Dad From Shea: Mike was one of my best friends for many years. I first met him in college at UF around 2001, and we became fast friends. I always seemed to click well with the people he hung out with (birds of a feather I suppose), and I’m still good friends with Rob Pellosie whom I met through Mike. Mike was so much fun to be around and always kept us laughing. He also had a caring and generous side that I’ll always remember him for.

One of the many examples of his compassion and generosity, and one that sticks out in my mind, was how he was there for me at one of the scariest times in my life. In 2009, I was involved in a bad car accident with Rob and a couple other friends in the car. The accident was near Gainesville, and we ended up at Shands hospital. As soon as Mike heard about the accident, he drove straight to Gainesville from Orlando and was the first one to visit us in the hospital.
I ended up having to stay in the hospital for 18 days due to a bad injury on my leg. It was a very frightening experience for me that Mike helped make so much better! Back in those days, I had an old flip phone, and when Mike found out how long I would be in the hospital for, he gave me his iPhone to use to keep me distracted from my injuries and to help me pass the time. I mean, who lends their brand-new and extremely expensive iPhone to a friend to use for 18 days?! So generous! Back then, I didn’t even know what an app was, and I remember him showing me a fishing app that I could use to “fish” right from my hospital bed – so much fun! I spent hours and hours on Mike’s iphone, and it really did help me keep my sanity throughout that painful and trying time in my life.
Here is a picture I took from Mike’s iPhone while I was in the hospital… After the accident, I had to deal with finding a new car since my old one was totaled. Mike’s compassion and generosity didn’t stop at him lending me his iPhone. In fact, when he heard about my car predicament,, he offered to let me borrow his car, for a whole month , just so I wouldn’t have to try and find a new car while I was recovering. I took him up on that offer, and it made my recovery so much easier! Mike had a heart of gold, and I’ll always cherish the memories of everything he did for me.
I really wish I had more pictures of the hundreds of good memories I have with Mike. But at least I have some pictures, thanks to Facebook. Here are some of the pictures I found: October 2007 – Festival in downtown Orlando to celebrate Mike’s birthday. December 2007 – We rented a limo for my wife, Kate’s, 25th birthday - We took the limo to Downtown Disney for dinner and had lots of laughs. Fourth of July 2008 – We rented a pontoon boat near New Smyrna Beach – An epic day on the water. August 2009 – Mike’s wedding - It was really special seeing him so happy that weekend! July 2012 – Rob’s wedding – Mike was always making us laugh! May 2013 – Paul (far right) had a “preppy party” at his house in Boynton Beach, and Mike drove down from Orlando to join us
…these are just a few of the many great memories I have with Mike
As everyone knows, Mike was also a man of many talents – he had a great sense of humor, was extremely athletic, and was a phenomenal musician. I remember hearing Mike sing and play his guitar countless times. And for some reason, I’ve heard him sing “Moonshadow” by Cat Stevens 10 times more than any other song. That song must have really struck a chord with him, and when I listen to the lyrics, I start to think I just might understand why… Michael's All Time Favorite "I'm Being Followed By A Moon Shadow" “And if I ever lose my eyes, if my colors all run dry,
Yes if I ever lose my eyes, oh I won't have to cry no more.”

Oh, I'm bein' followed by a moonshadow, moonshadow, moonshadow---
Leapin’ and hoppin' on a moonshadow, moonshadow, moonshadow---“
I have countless great memories with Mike, and..... I miss him dearly. He really was one of my favorite people for so many years, and I’ll Always cherish our friendship! I look forward to seeing him again someday! From Mike's Dad - Thanks for the Memories 11/25/2020

11/26/2020 In my book "My Prodigal Son and Our Journey Together," I described why I wrote it. I wrote it as a “Cautionary Tale” that should give pause to anyone considering taking the path my son so regrettably took. If the book saves even one person from experiencing the horrors of addiction, the book has been a success and furthermore gives purpose to Michael’ life even from beyond. But there is another reason I wrote the book, but it took me three years following his passing to discover it (and after I wrote the book). The first time I went to the cemetery, I went by myself. I remembered looking down upon Michael’s tombstone and found myself becoming very anger. I thought I would be sad and tearing up; however, the only emotion I felt was Anger. I didn’t understand why I felt that way and it was only a month ago (Oct 2020) when I figured it out. It took my brain 3 years to catch up with my emotions, but when the two were in synch, I got it. Say My Name It was the realization that in just a few years, his memory will largely be forgotten and few will even speak his name. This is what hit me so hard that day when I visited the cemetery. And, now it makes perfect sense and who wouldn’t be angry when he or she must look down and accept the fact at his or her child will be soon be forgotten. Cheated Think of the years of dedication his mom and I put into Michael’s life. We were one of those parents who would do anything to help their child out of love. We did so for a number of reasons; one which was to prepare Michael for a meaningful and happy future. Now, he has no future here on earth and I feel cheated as a result. I believe that writing his book and telling his life story will bring meaning and purpose to his life by warning others so they can save their lives.

They do What? Why do so many adults hang on to their childhood religious beliefs without ever reevaluating them as an adult? And, it doesn’t matter how crazy the beliefs are. For example, I was brought up as a Catholic and taught to believe in transubstantiation; a belief that every time a priest prays over the bread and wine during communion, they are literally transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. Catholics are certainly not alone. Mormons and Muslims both teach that both Joseph Smith and Mohammad respectively taught that their “Bible” was given to them by Angels, believe in polygamy and once they die, they will be entering paradise to be greeted by beautiful women awaiting them to serve them sexually for all eternity. Ancient Greeks, believed in gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, Neptune, etc, but none of them are believed in today. They are now understood as fictitious characters seen at the movie theatre as a form of entertainment only. As brilliant as the Greeks were, they too adopted faulty beliefs taught to them in their youth. If the Greeks were fooled, as smart as they were, how much more should we be on our guard from faulty beliefs. Fill Er up? As a six-year-old, I was educated at a Catholic school where Nuns filled up my brain with so many crazy ideas that found an empty and defenseless brain as their target. As a gas pump is to a car, so were my teachers pumping faulty beliefs into my head. Being so young, I couldn’t even reach a pump. Adding to the fact that my Nuns were determined to get my mind into conformance, they did so with intimidation. Paralyzing Fear As an adult, I found it difficult and frightening to revisit my childhood beliefs and challenge them. I was afraid to rethink and modify my beliefs even as a well-educated adult. To do so could land me in hell, which is one of the preached consequences for vacating my Catholic teachings. Fear of hell is one thing, but there are other consequences for rethinking and reshaping beliefs. Being exiled by friends and family is a real and present consequence for abandoning what you once believed, which is often misinterpreted as an affront and betrayal to family, friends and God. It takes a lot of guts to challenge one’s childhood beliefs and many don’t want to take on the challenge. The Apostle Paul most certainly fought such battles. The Jews were intent on jailing and even killing Paul for forsaking what he once believed. And, new Christians converts of his day too were trying to bring him back into bondage of old and outdated Jewish rituals such as requiring new believers to be circumcised. I think at some point, he didn't give a damn what they thought and maybe he needed to get to that point to sever once and for all the bondage of religions of Jews and Christians. In I Corinthians, he says to those to both Jews and Christians: "But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord" A rebel for God as opposed to being a Conformist to men. God, how I love this verse. It has gotten me through so much. How Could Anyone Believe That Imagine if someone comes to your door trying to convert you to a religion that believes in something that is just “nuts.” Assume this person is a Muslim proselytizing for Jihadist recruits. He tells you that if you volunteer as a suicide bomber resulting in killing infidels (anyone who doesn’t believe as he did), you will be rewarded. He is told that at the moment of his death, he will be immediately escorted to paradise and greeted by 70 beautiful virgins awaiting him. Note: Many Islamic scholars contest this 70 virgin idea; they believe the correct interpretation is 70 raisins. Surprise! So, do you invite the person into your house to learn more? Of course not because you are an adult who knows crazy when you see and hear it. This example, as ridiculous as it is, is not ridiculous to many who still preach and teach suicide bombing to little kids as a way to get to heaven quickly. But, these little kids will someday grow up; some of who will act on these insane beliefs; those which he never challenged as an adult. I challenged myself years ago to check out what I was taught as a kid to see if I had crazy beliefs influencing me. In review, I did not have crazy and deadly beliefs as Jihadist do, but I did have irrational beliefs and ideas that were impacting me mentally and emotionally. After inventorying and modifying my beliefs, I am happy to report I am doing better especially when it comes to guilt and fear. In addition, it turns out that I did not lose faith; instead I found it and now it makes sense. If you are up to the challenge, sit down and write out what you were taught as a child and then asses their influence on you. If you are like me, your search will likely come up with a number of crazy ideas buried somewhere in your brain. They may have been well hidden, but their impact upon one’s emotional and wellbeing were quite visible. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Unlike years ago when you were a kid, you now have something very good and important. As an adult your brain is fully formed and capable of reason enabling you to immediately dismiss crazy beliefs offered to you now as an adult. However, those beliefs that entered your mind as a child are not as easily dismissed. As discussed above, fear is likely the #1 reason one hangs on to them. But there’s more to it. I recently heard someone on TV explaining the difficult process of kicking out the old and bad beliefs for good ones. It made sense. Afterwards I began to process what he said and as a result I came up with the following translation. When a child is young, there is no defense to protect him from consuming the craziest of ideas and beliefs when shoved into their tiny brains. In a sense, a child’s mental protective shield is down or non-existence and as a result he is vulnerable to incoming and unhealthy beliefs and thoughts. In time, when one reaches the age of reason, the shield goes up preventing any more damaging ideas to enter. However, the mental shield cuts both ways. With one’s “force shield” up as an adult, it is difficult to get new and crazy ideas to penetrate one’s brain which is great. But, with the shield up, it also makes it difficult to get the old ones out as they too are being blocked by the raised shield. Old beliefs have proven to be stubborn. After being there so long, they think they own the place. Regardless of the fight, you must kick them out to save yourself. The Truth Shall Set You Free For the fearless who have seen enough of what faulty thinking delivers, they do their homework to check their beliefs out. Following this exercise, they then cautiously let down their mental shield ushering in the reasonable ideas in and escort the old ones out. It is something Jesus clearly did. As as an adult, He at some point said "enough is enough - this is not From God" and he let the religious leaders of his time to know it, which eventually got him crucified. Jesus gives us an example of how to seek and find truth as a replacement for lies. For Him, it meant challenging every Jewish belief and religious leader teaching and preaching in His day. His fight for the truth was a fight for man’s emotional and mental wellbeing and remains available to anyone who follows His teachings. Are You for Sale? Your mind is on the market place every day regardless if you are aware of it or not. Vendors of all sorts are fighting for your mind’s attention through continuous and non-stop marketing campaigns hoping to convince you to buy whatever they are selling. In essence, they see you for sale and are doing almost anything to purchase your brain so you will turn around and purchase their products. Marketing is often invasive and subliminal designed to reach your decision making part of your brain incognito to get you to buy whatever they are peddling. More conventional marketing comes in the form of advertisements that are everywhere. They are displayed on TV, the internet, in magazines, on billboards and any in any media capable of influencing you to buy their product. Does it work? Of course it does! Why else would corporations spend so much money to advertise their products on TV, on the Web, and in or on virtually every form of media known to man. Their method of influential marketing has proven to be successful time and time again and the profits made as a result far exceed their marketing expense. Not long ago, I was at a shopping center and discovered my phone was sending me ads and sale notifications of stores right in front of me. I quickly realized that I was being followed by GPS tracking enabled by my smart phone nudging me into a store that had similar products that I had previously showed an interest of when searching the internet. From these searches and past purchases made on line, I had been profiled, targeted and coaxed to go into that store immediately in front of me to buy something similar to what I had previously purchased. I am simply amazed how easy it is for technology to read my mind while simultaneously tracking where I go and when to push my buying buttons. There is no escape from those who are intent to influence and attempt to manipulate you to their will. Your only defense is to be cognizant of the forces chasing you and to fight them by using reason and discipline. It’s a simple answer but extremely difficult to be successful at. You must be an independent thinker who knows and trusts himself more than others who relentlessly fight for your attention. Is America For Sale? What greatly troubles me is the means by which political operatives have influenced our elections and so easily through TV commercials, internet, flyers, etc. It is reported that during the Presidential campaign in 2016, “Americans spent more than ever -- about $6.8 billion -- in that pursuit, including the nastiest presidential election in recent memory, between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. That’s more than what consumers spend on cereal ($6 billion), pet grooming ($5.4 billion) and legal marijuana ($5.4 billion). If you count the free media coverage, you can add another two billion dollars more. ” Some very powerful people are spending a lot of money in an attempt to influence and to get you to vote for them or their representatives into office for no other reason than power; power that is certainly not interested in you once you’ve pulled their lever. They are voting on you to vote them into power. Said a different way, they are trying to buy you so they can buy and own America itself and it seems to be working. Personally I am very offended that some think they can alter and manipulate me to vote for their candidate through campaign adds. Why do they think campaign commercials will influence my voting decision? The answer is that is that it works. I assume it works because many powerful people believe and are convinced of the following about many American voters. They believe: 1. That you are most susceptible to being persuaded and manipulated 2. That you are not smart enough to catch thought manipulators in the act 3. That foreign powers like Russia and other hostile nations towards the USA believe and have proven that many Americans are not very smart. 4. That they know how to manipulate and how to use Religion and Religious leaders to get their followers to march as good soldiers to the voting booth to vote as intended. In short, Political forces know that paid advertisements work—they discovered many Americans can be bought quite easily and cheaply. They determined the average American is a sap and they laugh at our softness and lack of any conviction that matters. Independence Day Free yourself from manipulative thoughts imposing on you and be your own man. Think for yourself, research what you are told, and be strong and confident in yourself to be INDEPENDENT. Don’t wait until July 4th, to celebrate your independence. Celebrate your mental and emotional Independence everyday—consider yourself emancipated from those who wish to enslave you into their way of thinking so as to manipulate and exploit you. Un-pump yourselves from your childhood beliefs by forcing them to undergo the scrutiny of your God given gift of reason and free will. Those beliefs that don’t belong there, kick them out. Evaluate and invite only beliefs which are reasonable and beneficial to you and the world you live in. Be an example to those who need their independence. Show Nations using mis-information that your convictions are firm and not susceptible to deceptive advertising. As Americans, imagine how strong we would be if we collectively embraced truth and sound beliefs that build up the world rather than destroy it. We can do this! THE AMERICAN DREAM WOULDN’T IT BE SOMETHING IF CAMPAIGN AD MONEY DIDN’T WORK ANY LONGER BECAUSE AMERICANS BECAME WISE, RESOLUTE AND UNSHAKABLE IN THEIR CONVICTIONS. IMAGINE IF YOU VOTE BASED SOLELY UPON A CANDIDATE’S PLATFORM, THEIR PROVEN TRACK RECORD AND CHARACTER. RUSSIA AND OTHER HOSTILE NATIONS TO AMERICA ARE AT WAR FOR YOUR BRAIN AND IT APPEARS THEY ARE WINNING. IT DOESN’T TAKE GUNS OR A NUCLEAR BOMB TO DESTROY AMERICA. IT APPEARS THAT IT ONLY TAKES A TV COMMERCIAL. BE A WINNER AND CELEBRATE YOUR INDEPENDENCE

Part 4 of “For God So Loved the United States…” Dreamers, Assylum Seekers and the Destitute I want to begin by discussing what a Dreamer is and what DACA means to them . Later I will discuss the process of becoming a citizen. I believe the reader will be surprised in what they discoverer as I was. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) DACA is intended to give hope to thousands of young Aliens residents who have lived in America their entire lives. These young people live in constant fear of being ratted out and deported to a place they have no knowledge of. Turns out We have a lot of rodents, and to our shame. To be clear, Dreamers is only a nickname to those receiving temporary legal status for young immigrants brought into America as children under DACA. It does not provide permanent legal status to individuals and must be renewed every two years. Recently, Trump has required Dreamers to renew every year—because he can. There also is legislation called the Dream Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) that provides a pathway to legal status for undocumented youth who came to this country as children. The Dreamers Act has been tossed over and over since 2001 and seems to be nothing more than political fodder by those who are not “Good Samarians. During the Obama Administration, Legislative action was enacted to give such people hope, or an attainable "Dream" to remain in the United States without fear-Without the fear of looking over one's shoulder constantly for someone to grab you, imprison you, and then send you to a place you never knew. I believe the best way to understand what these Dreamers go through is to mentally put your feet into their shoes so as to feel their anxiety and their internal feelings for being treated as a second rate human being.
Try To Imagine... Imagine if your Mexican family crossed over the border illegally when you were just a baby. You find yourself now as a teenager and fully assimilated into the American way of life; which is the only one you ever knew. Furthermore, you only speak English and have no memory or connection with your homeland. Now imagine you are in high school with peers of your same age and the only difference between you and your friends is that you were born just south of the border. You see your friends going to college to get a good education and a job thereafter. Wanting to join your friends in College requires you to have a driver’s license for identification and a social security number; two things you cannot acquire without being a legal resident in the United States. Imagine how you would feel about yourself when you discover you really aren’t “as important as your peers” and have no shot at competing with just take it for granted that they must be special-in comparison. Then someone in the White House throws you a life line through DACA. Fiercely fought over, the Republicans tried to stop DACA from seeing the light of day, but President Obama was able to get DACA passed but barely. And DACA is no “golden ticket” to be sure. DACA, for the time being, provides a potential path to citizenship of certain undocumented young people should they go to college and or serve in the military. For others unable to serve in the military and are unable to go to college, DACA defers deportation for the time being. As noted above, President Obama fought hard to pass DACA but was successful even under the scorn of Republicans who tried to stop its passage at every corner. When Trump became President, he tried killing DACA immediately after his inauguration, Had it not been for the Supreme Court, which upheld DACA, Trump would have succeeding to destroy it as indicated below.

“On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court that the way the Trump administration ended DACA was arbitrary and not justified, and therefore violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The Supreme Court's decision overruled the Trump administration's ending of DACA, meaning that DACA continues to be in effect.” DACA is celebrated by approximately 750,000 undocumented immigrants who benefit from it. To get in the program, there are rigorous requirements, and too many to describe herein. Although DACA appears to have been a success, its future is tentative. Trump, however, remains committed to "blow it up" destroying the dreams of the Dreamers. Should he be re-elected, I assume he will eventually kill it and the dreams of those who are only looking for a home, the very one they have lived in their entire lives, and of no choice of their own.
Doing My Homework On How One Becomes a Citizen I took a course regarding immigration several years ago. I was amazed how difficult it is to come to America, especially for citizenship. Prior to the attending the class, I use to grumble with my friends complaining as follows: “They (immigrants) must follow the rules to get into America just like anybody else—get back at the end of the line with the rest of them and wait your turn.”
After taking the class, I am embarrassed I ever said something so stupid and insensitive because it is not accurate and it is intentionally misleading in at least two major ways. First, “like anybody else” is blatant false advertisement. It turns out if you bring in enough money into the United States and promise to create jobs to America, you don’t have to wait in line-you get to jump over it as well as others who have been waiting in line for years. Congratulations! Secondly, assuming you aren't rich, you must to go to the end of the waiting line. From what I learned from this class, I now know what it means to a poor immigrant when he or she is told to get back in line, and, wait your turn over and over again.
Telling an immigrant to get back in line is "code" for “Get back in line and stay there because there is no chance in hell you will ever get in.
I learned a lot from that class and suggest others research the subject of immigration into the United States so as to have a mature one's understanding of the immigration process. It is guaranteed to open your eyes and feel pity rather than scorn. For me, the information in that class turned out to be an eye opener. Following the class, it was humbling to know I live in a country where so many people want to live here but cannot because they were not lucky enough to be born on American soil. It’s not fair—there are many people worthier than me and more capable of making a better place for all here in America and in the world as well. It isn’t FAIR. In the class materials, there was a flowchart describing how to proceed through the immigration process. In the flowchart there are what I call “Decision Trees.” If you pass a certain milestone, you are allowed to move forward to the next Decision Tree—if you pass that one, you go to the next, and the next, and the next….etc. The Decision Tree is the Actual one facing anyone wanting to become an American. There are many such decision trees apart of the immigration process exhibited above, and if you fail to obtain a “YES and Continue” at any of the many decision trees, the game is over, which happens to almost everyone. I now understand that 99% of immigrants wanting to live in America never really had a chance. Maybe its 99.99% You may disagree with immigrants coming to America illegally, but knowing there are no jobs to feed their families south of the border, they feel they have no choice but to risk crossing the border illegally to find a job—any job. I’d do the same, any you would too. Many of these jobs available are located at farms where they pick your fruit for a few bucks a day; barely enough to feed and house his family. I have an example that brings this point home. I spent years as a board member for a very worthwhile NGO “Children of the Nations” (CONT) helping orphans and destitute children by feeding them and educating them in schools which they built for them. Once, when I was in the Dominican Republic as part of the COTN team, it came to my attention, that the parents of one of our Haitian students wanted to pull their child out of school because they needed his labor in the field picking tomatoes for 5 cents a day. The organization paid the nickel a day to keep the child in school. This is still going on today in the Dominican Republic and to a certain degree to “illegal Aliens in the United States, who have no one to go to if cheated, because to speak up, can mean being turned over to the border patrol.” The bottom line –If the same immigration rules applied a century or two ago, we Anglo-Saxons would be somewhere else far, far away looking in from the outside. We too may be picking tomatoes for 5 cents a day. With all of the difficult realities Aliens are going through, this is what Trump says about them… "They are not our friend, believe me," he said, before disparaging Mexican immigrants: "They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people." The part where he ends with “And some, I assume are good people” was the real hypocrisy coming out. After destroying the character of Mexicans, he throws them a crumb but only after the damage was done. Christian White Evangelicals gave Trump the Presidency. Had it not been for this block of voters, we would not have a man who demeans God’s #1 Creation and one that was created in His image—better known as “People.” People like you and me. Do you have Empathy?—It’s a Simple Question Imagine your family was born just south of the border begging for what Lazarus once begged for from the fat rich man in Luke 16. Lazarus was hoping to catch a few dropped crumbs from his table. Imagine if that was you begging for crumbs, but even worse—much worse, imagine if you were begging for crumbs for their children.
When Trump is asked how he could treat people this way, he blames Obama—FOR REAL... These lies are beyond the pale and they are being sponged up in the hearts and minds by many claiming to be “Christian Evangelicals.” This degrading of one race over another has fueled and given rise and permission to be a racist. Don’t take it for me—Turn on the TV and see it for yourself. "When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people," Trump said at his campaign announcement" Many of these same Evangelicals supporting Trump are the same ones who cry Pro-Life when they are walking all over lives just south of them as if they didn’t count—and they don’t count to them. I too am Pro-Life but it extends to all lives and especially those “alien lives” so specifically called out in the Bible and knocking at our door for a hand. Throughout history, the question of when life begins following conception continues on to this day, but there is No compromise when Jesus tells us to love those those in need. Those, like these, who are put at our doorstop to feed the hungry and to see who We and American have come. I had the pleasure to sit next to a Nun on a plane one day. She had worked closely with Mother Teresa. We talked throughout our trip, and especially what Mother Teresa stood for. She told me that Mother Teresa pushed hard for literacy. She felt if a child could learn, they would learn to get out of poverty, and help others to attain the same. I have a friend who flew to Calcutta to learn from Mother Teresa. She was not impressed. She ended up lecturing him about God's call for them - not hers. She told them their purpose was to respond to what God puts in front of them. Don't look up, instead look down for your opportunity to serve. She has given us Americans something to think about when she said... " Peace begins with a smile.. If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
Does Pro Life move one to be PROactive tho those who God put on our doorstep. Where is Lady Liberty’s welcome today for these LIVES?

Part 3 of “For God So Loved the United States.…” The Good Samaritan I suspect most people know the Story of the “Good Samaritan.” During the time of Jesus, a lawyer decided to test Jesus by asking Him: "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And He said to him.. “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And the Lawyer responds... “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. ” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” But What about You and Me - What must We do to Inherit Eternal Life? Being brought up in the Christian tradition, I know the importance and significance of the eternal life question that seems to drive people cray—the question being “ What shall I do to inherit eternal life .” Attending a Catholic church as a child, one of the first things I was indoctrinated in the matters pertaining to the next life—the one after “this one.” Looking back, it seems so wrong to explain to children as young as six years of age, that it is time to worry about their next life, when they haven’t even started to figure out this life. Nevertheless, regardless of place or culture, this question of “eternal life” continues on and there are many different answers to it depending on who you asked. As a Catholic, I was taught that going to heaven meant not going to hell, purgatory and even limbo. Heaven itself was never described except you don’t go “down there.” I was taught that the only way to get to heaven was not to sin, or more specifically not to have “unconfessed sins (given by a priest) on your soul at the moment of death. Catholics did not teach salvation (going to heaven) as dependent upon good works. Works seemed to have nothing to do with going to heaven. It was all about sin; venial and mortal sins to be specific. In short, Catholics didn’t preach eternal life through good works, because God was only interested to see if you had sin on your soul the moment you expired. Isn’t that crazy? I think the Catholics standalone on this matter. Back to the Lawyer… Lawyers in the time of Jesus were nothing like the ones we are familiar with today. Their role was a religious one deciding on questions of the Old Testament law and to instruct the young on Mosaic laws and commandments. When the lawyer asked Jesus what it took to obtain eternal life, Jesus knew that, being a lawyer of Mosaic law, he already knew the answer. Jesus asked him what he, being an expert in law, thought it took to obtain eternal life. It turns out the lawyer knew it all along. The answer remains the same throughout time, and worthy of repeating it again… “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” To find cover, the Lawyer asked Jesus “who is my neighbor?” That question was responded to in the form of a parable as summarized below. The Good Samaritan When the lawyer asked Jesus who his neighbor was, Jesus told a story of a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. For brevity sake, I paraphrased what happened next. And by chance a Priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion. From that point, the Samaritan bandaged up his wounds, carried him into to an inn and paid for his stay and other costs associated with this stranger. Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And the lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy toward him. Then Jesus said to him.. "Go And Do The Same.”
Jesus’ response was a loaded one. Here Jesus is speaking to a Lawyer of Mosaic law , and delivering a parable which included two other religious people of his day being the Priest and the Levite. short, He is telling us don't be fooled by the "Religious." But what is a Samaritan? To the Jews, he was a half breed. He was part Jew and part Gentile. He was looked down upon as a white racist would look at a person being half white and black. Jesus let him and anyone else listening, it doesn’t mean a damn thing where you came from—it matters where you are going and if you are going to “Love your Neighbor.”
For those who listened to Jesus and who didn’t get the message the first time, He repeats what He said above but with a twist. When Jesus was asked what the great commandment in the law, Jesus responded.
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” It isn’t difficult to understand what loving your neighbor as yourself is all about. But, it is very difficult to understand “what it means to Love God,” as if He needed it.
IT'S ALL MESSED UP! The act of Loving God has manifested itself in bizarre and even evil acts throughout history. Some showed their love to God by building big and beautiful churches ( and on the backs of the poor), kiss and adore statues of religious icons, killing Muslims during the crusades and in return, Muslims killing Christian crusaders…It’s all messed up.
Loving God remains an aloof concept and open to anyone who wants to fill in the blanks to suit their needs. But I think the Gospel gives us clarity when taken in context to what Jesus says about one’s judgment following his/her death as it pertains to what it means to “Love God.” Your Judgment If you believe in a personal judgment at the end of your life, then you should pay close attention to how Jesus will judge Us by asking each of us the following... “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ "When the righteous asks the Lord, when did we attend to your needs?" "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" And then there are others whom Jesus will say... "Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me." Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them... "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me" "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous eternal life.” Jesus is letting us know in advance, that He takes it personal—very personal when you assist or deny help to the needy—especially the children. Of them, Jesus says "If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” And here’s another Clue to what Jesus will be looking at during your judgment… “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Can you imagine that…those doing all of their religious works including prophesizing, casting out demons, and conducting other “religious” rituals—these people were “Cast Out!” They may have cast demons out of people, but Jesus will cast them out of heaven. Why? Just listen to what the sinner “ doesn’t say” . Never does he bring up how often he fed the poor and gave aid to those desperate for it. Their confession began with what they performed and not what they did for anyone but themselves, and, as a result, they pay a heavy price—an eternal one. You know these false prophets. They have their own TV show where they play the game “prophet for profit.” They do put on quite a show—exercising of demons and healing people “on demand.” Such hypocrisy and thievery—I can’t stand to watch them on TV for one minute. Can you imagine spending an eternity with them? God wisely canceled them and their TV theatrics.
If one is serious about Loving God and your neighbor as yourself, I have modified the following for practical purposes, and I don’t think God will send fire and brimstone for tampering with His words.
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind by loving your neighbor as yourself" I'm VERY Comfortable with this understanding. It explains what it Means when Jesus said to those who helped those in need... "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" OMG- We Have both the Questions and the Answers to Pass our Test Ahead of time AND it's Not Cheating. So we should all Pass and enter into Eternal Life. Right? Halleluiah, the mystery of loving God has been solved. So simple, so black and white, so untangled in its interpretation —so much so that it will certainly be warped to fit the nature of those intent on hating rather than loving. So how do you measure up? Are you a Good Samaritan or a Bad Samaritan?

Dreams Although I have never had a Near Death Experience as discussed in the book, I have had out of world experiences. I described such an event in the book when I received a dream foretelling me of a breakdown I was to experience just a few days later. It wasn’t until I experienced the event, did I make the connection to the dream. Was the dream a prophecy? If so, what good was it? I could never connect the dots ahead of time. There have been other dreams which predicted an unlikely future that materialized, but they are rare. I can only count three of them during my life time; but again these dreams were of no use as I could never see the relationship until the event occurred. In the Bible, God uses dreams, more than any other form of communication to reach us. From Genesis and throughout the New Testament, God spoke through dreams from Joseph in the Old Testament to Joseph in the New Testament. Joseph, husband had four (4) different dreams to warn and direct him to action in order to keep the infant Jesus safe. . Whispers God rarely speaks to anyone as God spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to a friend. Other than Moses, Job and a few others, God does not speak to us as he did Moses. In I King Chapter 19 God speaks to Elijah in whispers as explained below. The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. God is telling Elijah and us, that He doesn’t’ communicate loudly through earthquakes, great winds, and fires. God tells Elijah and us to pay attention to him as he speaks in whispers. Jesus says something similar in John Chapter 3:8 as follows: "'The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'" I’m Listening I sometimes hear God’s whispers, but I never know when, where they come from or in what form they will take. But, I do know when I hear them, I know they are guiding me to move forward and for the good. Thoughts For me, whispers are like telepathy and come in the form of a thought. It is such a message that compelled me to write the book. Months ago the thought of writing my book came to me. Unlike most thought that come and go, this one was persistent, annoying and like an unwelcomed guest, it just didn’t know when to leave. To quiet these thoughts, I began to write the book. When I began, I was not sure if I was writing it for me, my family, or others. I started with an outline that I never followed, not even close. It was a cathartic experience to be sure, but it was much more than that. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop and was obsessed with completing it. Even when I found myself in the hospital for a few days, I continued to write on my cellphone through a convenient app. At home, I wrote through many nights, which seemed to pass so quickly as a blink of the eye. Music Speaks One night, around 3AM, while writing the book, I sensed I was not alone. The room seemed occupied as if Michael was near me. At that time, I was playing music on my cellphone and set it earlier to play random songs, but I soon realized, they weren’t random at all. All at once, my phone began to play some of Michael’s favorite songs; many of which we use to sing together when driving. The series of song’s began with Michael’s favorite Cat Stevens’ song “Moon shadow,” and every song that followed were some of our favorites. It was as if he compiled a playlist of songs just for me that night. Towards the end of this experience, a song describing a relationship between a father and a son played. The remainder of that night, we were writing this book—his book together. I felt so blessed to sense and hear from Michael that night and will never forget it. That experienced encouraged me. It confirmed to me that Michael was encouraging me to finish the book; one intended to help his family, friends and any others who may benefit from it. So many other hints of his wellbeing occurred while writing the book, which comforted me a lot and I am not alone. Some of Michael’s friends also experienced events speaking of Michael’s presence. I listed a few of our experiences below. Like a judicial court seeking the truth, I offer Exhibits A through D below for your consideration. Exhibit A Login Page on My PC A month before completing the book, I was going through pictures of Michael on my laptop to be used in this book. The following morning, I open up my computer and this picture popped up on the “sign your password ” or “login” page. I know I was looking at many pictures to select the best ones for the book but how this picture ended up on my “log-in” screen, I can’t explain. I am not referring to the “wallpaper background” on the computer screen that pops up after one enters his/her password on the log-in screen That, I know how to do. I am speaking of the “ login in page” or what Windows 10 describes it as the “User account’s Picture.” After researching how to change this login screen, I discovered it takes the following steps. 1. Head for the Startup menu 2. Click your picture in the screen's top-right corner 3. When the menu drops down, 4. Choose Change Account Settings. 5. Windows presents the screen shown here. Windows lets each user choose an account picture. So, you must know how surprised I was the following morning to see this image on my PC. I’m not speaking of any picture. I’m talking about a large face image and one staring right at me and with a smile when he was young and full of life. Most of the pictures I have of Michael, he is accompanied with others or he is performing an act such as playing sports, strumming a guitar, etc. So, seeing such a big solo image of him on my PC made the experience even more exciting for me. If I did go through the steps to put his large face looking at me, then I must have done it in my sleep. Exhibit B My Cell Phone Image About the same time, another Solo picture of Michael popped up on my phone as if from nowhere… Months ago I bought a new cell phone with a stylus. Not using a stylus for a long time, I finally got around to play with it. When I removed the stylus 3 icons came up on the phone screen as described below. 1. One has an image if tapped, it will take a screen shot 2. The second one, if tapped takes one to a writing tablet 3. The third one came in the form of a light bulb When I tapped on the light bulb, it showed this picture of Michael. Again, not just another picture with other people or him doing anything. Both pictures above show him greeting anyone who looks at them. To me, this is a picture of Michael stretching his arms out shouting “Hey Dad, It’s Me and All Is Well” Again, I have no idea how this happened. But it did happen and, once again, if I did it, I must have done it again in my sleep… Exhibit C Michael’s Roommate and Good friend’s “Coincidences” I’m not the only one who has experienced unusual messages. Three years ago, Michael’s close friend Chris, and one-time roommate swears that on the day Michael died, he felt something disturbing. Somehow he felt something bad happened to someone and he looked and stared at a poster of himself and Michael when they played in a band. During the same time, he saw a large and unusual bird just outside his window. Minutes later, he discovered Michael just died. I discovered that throughout history, unusual birds showing up unannounced is often interpreted as a sign that someone they know has just died. Just a month ago, I called Chris to interview him for the book. When I called him, he was surprised to hear from me and said the following to me. “Mr. Cannell—I was just starting at my phone directory and just stopped and looked at your name in my contact list for some time—just staring at it for no reason. Then, you called me.” Exhibit D Another One from His friend “Adriana” wrote to me on Sun, Aug 9th as follows in response to reading the book. “Thank you so much! This is something that is really touching. I just found a note from Mike, this was 3 years ago, coincidence? I don’t know but the note just came out in my Instagram after reading your email. I want to share with you.” Coincidences I can make a case that these examples are nothing but wishful thinking and coincidences. I understand that and maybe they are. But, how many coincidences must there be in order for them not to be coincidences? To me, there are just too many “coincidences “to ignore.”

We’ve all heard the phrase “Fool me once, shame on you—Fool me twice, shame on me.” Someone who has been lied to and harmed as a result, will surely never fall for such a lie again—Right? Unfortunately, this often is not the case. Sometimes those lied to will refuse to admit they were fooled in the first place to avoid being embarrassed by friends and family. To avoid feeling stupid, they “double down.” Double Downing (DD) in Black Jack DD is a term used when playing the card game “black jack”. It’s a risky venture but if the player wins by having a better hand than the dealer, the player will double down on his original bet in hopes of getting back what he has lost. Conversely, if the dealer has a better hand, the player loses twice the original bet. Fortunately, most gamblers set a limit on how much they are willing to lose when gambling. Once they reach that limit, they walk away–correct? But Don’t “bet” on it. Double Down One Assume the following scenario where an undisciplined gambler has lost his predetermined “limit” at the black jack table. He knows he should call it a night. Yet, he is reluctant to leave as a loser and wants his money back. Furthermore, he also feels embarrassed to those around him by leaving as a loser. To get back his money and pride, he “Double Downs!” Double Down Two By staying and playing, he soon realizes things aren’t going his way. He finds himself losing more, and mor e money. He is becoming more and more anxious. Beads of sweat begin to collect on his forehead and he becomes increasingly tense. Convincing himself that his luck has to change, he now begins to bet twice as much and twice as fast in an effort too free himself from these horrible feelings of fear and anxiety overwhelming him. To calm himself down and relax, he begins to have a few drinks, which of course impairs his judgment. Unfortunately, luck never came to his rescue. After draining his (and his spouse’s ) checking account, he finds himself not only short of money, he also finds himself short of breath, and profusely sweating as his hearts rate rises. Double Down Three Panicked and now fully intoxicated, he heads to the nearest ATM to draw down from his joint savings account to risk it all in an attempt to get back to even. As his bets and drinking increase; his money decreases at an alarming speed. When the word gets out that someone ( him ) is losing his entire savings, crowds begin to form around the black jack table to watch. He now becomes the entertainment for the casino. It seems the observers enjoy watching someone losing so much money so quickly. Somehow watching someone losing everything makes them feel like winners. Double Down Four There is no more Double Down Four. All his money is gone with no way to get it back. He finds himself being the joke to the large crowd that was entertained by him losing everything and now he tires to slip away to his room without being noticed. All of this, because he refused to walk away after losing his initial money limit; a time he now looks back upon as an opportunity of a life time; and one which is no longer available to him. He leaves humiliated, broke and divorced.

Part 2 of “For God So Loved the United States….”
“Why are Americans so many people so willingly to hand their souls to one who has none?” It is a serious questions and not just asked in jest. It is a question you will be asked either here or during your life review after passing from this life to the next. Look at these pictures and tell me if you are OK with this. Praying or "Preying" for Jesus. I imagine Jesus would turn over in His grave if He was still in it. What else is empty, appears to be the hearts of those praying to their God and the "Bestest President" in the "Universe and throughout time-past, present and the future. I am more disappointed with men like Pence than Trump. He knows better or he did until his heart hardened. Pence and others like the Huckabee family (and so many in the Trump Club) seem to be “OK” with family breakups as long as it isn’t theirs.

While praying for Trump in the picture above, the picture below shows how these prayers are being answered. Did anyone see this coming? I never thought I would see in my life time such hate being displayed so publicly for the world to see. Here, many of Trump's Christian Warrior are standing for Nazism; those Trump refers to as "very fine people." And the Punch Line, is that “Jesus made me do it” (Romans 13). How can this be happening? And, it is being done with the blessing of many well-known religious leaders such as Mike Huckabee, Jerry Falwell Jr, and Franklin Graham. When you ask people like Pence and Huckabee how they can so blindly obey a man whose only god is himself, they cite the book of Romans Chapter 13 , as their reasoning. They believe not following Trump, would be the same as not following Jesus. Am I exaggerating…Paula White Trump's Spiritual Advisor said and I quote: " opposition to Trump with opposition to God" Romans 13 It is important to understand the influence Romans 13 is having on our nation. When Trump orders his "Christian" followers to do things, even evil ones, Pence and the likes of him point to Romans 13. So, let's examine this all important chapter of the Bible because it is shaping America and Damning Christianity at the same time. From the Apostle Paul "All of you must obey the government rulers. Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God. And all those who rule now were given that power by God. So anyone who is against the government is really against something God has commanded. Those who are against the government bring punishment on themselves. People who do right don’t have to fear the rulers. But those who do wrong must fear them. Do you want to be free from fearing them? Then do only what is right, and they will praise you. Rulers are God’s servants to help you. But if you do wrong, you have reason to be afraid. They have the power to punish, and they will use it. They are God’s servants to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government, not just because you might be punished, but because you know it is the right thing to do. A this is why you pay taxes too. Those rulers are working for God, and they give all their time to the work of ruling. 7 Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor." That’s it ladies and gentlemen. This Biblical reference is what enables and empowers many Evangelical Christians and political leaders to justify disobeying the most important Bible’s commandment to “To Love God and To Love Your neighbor as Yourself.” Adhering to Romans 13, to commit crimes against humanity is beyond reason and I give examples of such examples below. But for now, let’s look back at three men who defied the Government of Babylon, by refusing to obey the law to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s image of himself. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not go along with any order which was in conflict with God’s. As a punishment they were sentenced to death and thrown into a fire to died. So were these 3 men disobeying God when disobeying Nebuchadnezzar? The proof (and the answer) is in the pudding so to speak. Instead of being dead from the flames, they were not harmed by it at all. And, to make it clear that disobeying the government was absolutely the right thing to do, a fourth man joined them in the fire; one who was described as the Son of God. Do we need to go back in the Bible and chastise Moses for disobeying the Pharaoh, which would have resulted in keeping the Israelites in slavery, and as a result, they would never have reached the promised land? Do we need to go back to the 1700s and condemn George Washington and all those men who disobeyed King George in England? Trump and friends are so intent of flaming the fire of discrimination at the border, they have decided to “deter” those seeking asylum at the Southern border by breaking up families of those seeking refuge. This deterrence was proudly led by Steven Miller. The Week Publication describes Miller’s role as follows: “Trump's senior adviser Stephen Miller is known as the architect of that plan, but reportedly had the support of other top officials, two officials tell NBC News.” To interpret Romans 13 as a commandment to blindly obey an evil government and ruler by turning away the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the Alien, is beyond just disobeying God, it is downright evil. Breaking up is Hard to Do or is it? "I directed it not to say that religion requires these laws on immigration. I just simply said to my Christian friends, 'You know, the United States has laws and I believe that Paul was clear in Romans that we should try to follow the laws of government of which we are a part.' " I’m proud to tell you that I am not one of his friends. Breaking up families at the Border resulted in sending to jail anyone 18 and older and to send many parents’ kids younger than 18 to large and barren facilities with cages to keep the kids in their place. Much more is said of this subject and is dealt with in greater detail later. Back to Romans 13 When you ask them why are they doing these terrible things to people and reminding them what the Bible says about helping the down and out—and not walking over them, they say “Romans 13 and that’s it.”

Being a student of religion most of my life and one who is very familiar with the Bible, I am very cognizant how Romans 13 has been used to justify torture and murder of certain ethnic groups since Chapter 13 was written. It was the same logic which was used by Nazi war criminals who carried out their orders from the top. Researching the topic, I discovered the main defense of those Nazis, who tortured and murder children and adults, resembled the following: “I was only following Orders” just like any good Christian adhering to God's word as laid out in the Bible or Roman 13.”
Perspective and Context In Romans 13, the apostle Paul was speaking to Jewish Christians living in Rome. At that time, Christians were being intimidated and persecuted by the likes of People such as Nero. Paul is telling his friends to be smart and to “keep a low profile” so not to give the Romans and excuse to harm them. He was NOT telling them to obey a nation’s Government when it violates God’s Government, but this is exactly what Pence, Huckabee and countless other turncoats are doing. Self-Interpretation Paul explains Romans 13 by his life examples which should clarify its meaning once and for all, or you would think. Paul demonstrated numerous times what Romans 13 DID NOT imply. When ordered by the Government to stop preaching the Gospel or be imprisoned, Paul, flat out defied them publicly for all to see. It turns out that Paul routinely disobeyed the government and was damn proud of it too. Listen to Paul as he speaks to his punishment for breaking the law. “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea.” And he wasn’t the only apostle accused of civil disobedience disregarding the laws of the government. As described in the book of Acts chapter 5, there were a number of Apostles, including Peter, who refused to abide by the rulers who forbid them from preaching the gospel. Below is what is the men of God was knowingly and willing to undergo by disobeying the government so as to obey God. “They (the government rulers) called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.” Did they stop? Below is another such example of others defying the government when they felt (knew) they had someone much higher up the management chain of command to obey as opposed to a corrupt government. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. These religious rebels and law breakers were proud “Bad Boys” fearing God rather than men. The Apostles understood the context and message of what was written in Romans 13. They had no doubt who to follow and it was not the government when they were at odds with God. Peter Got the Memo when when proclaiming “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) and Jesus himself warns that “no one can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). If the apostles complied with the government and stopped preaching the gospel, then you (us) would never have known of the “good news.”
Romans 13 – All of It Romans 13:1-7 speaks of adherence to the government laws specifically in matters such as paying taxes, etc. In fact, the only specific action you can point to in these verses is paying taxes. The others are general such as “be a good boy” so to speak. In contrast, beginning with verse 8, Paul is speaking of adherence to God’s Law when Paul says to the brethren to love one another, for he that loves his neighbor has FULFILLED THE LAW. What Law? God’s Law and if there is any doubt, used the compass found in the only oldie but goody… “…And if there is any other commandment left to doubt, it is summed up by Paul: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” There are so many Old and New testaments accounts of the "Righteous" breaking laws when in conflict with God’s law, that it would take another book to account for them all. But we don’t need another book. We already have one and it makes it clear that we are to honor God by following Him rather than following the "Father of Lies" as described in John. Chapter 8:44 below. Using Romans 13 to justify evil is a Big Fat Lie. And, we all know how Jesus feels about liars. "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Romans 13 has been hijacked to excuse inhuman treatment of others because of a Governmental Law. You better make sure you are following the right father.

Part 1 of “For God So Loved the United States….” The Orphan, the Widow, and the Aliens I’m confident the readers of this blog post understand what is meant by the words orphan and widows. But, I think there is a lot of confusion in the minds of American Christians how to deal with Aliens. During my research so, I discovered the following: Aliens? It turns out that God has a lot to say on the subject of Aliens throughout the Bible. In his book “ Justice for All ,” Jeremiah Unterman summarizes specific instructions given by the Prophets to the Israelites as follows. “Nonetheless, despite the fact that resident aliens are not members of the people of Israel, they are entitled, by Divine fiat, to all the benefits given the poor, widow, and orphan. Beyond that, they are singled out to ensure that no harm befalls them , that they receive food and clothing , and that their rights of justice are protected. Finally, the Torah and our prophets make clear that failure to attend to the rights and benefits of law-abiding resident aliens WILL RESULT IN A NATIONAL CATASTROPHE, just as affirming their rights and benefits will lead to national success. Finally, the Torah and our prophets make clear that failure to attend to the rights and benefits of law-abiding resident aliens WILL RESULT IN A NATIONAL CATASTROPHE, just as affirming their rights and benefits will lead to national success. Furthermore, Aliens were to enjoy the same rights as other citizens and furthermore they are given the opportunity to be naturalized . Yes, that’s in our Bible—your Bible.
Aliens Just South of the Border Just look at the desperate people at our southern border-So many - So Desperate begging for something to drink and eat and to help them survive in God’s world. As a whole, these are largely good and desperate people and some are running from a tyrannical government who threatens their very existence. In response, many so called “Evangelical Christians” won’t give them anything except directions to help them get back where they belong—just like Jesus would do? This is the time for the people of God to speak louder and over those falsely claiming to be “Evangelical Christians” who speak hate and wish harm to Aliens. Aliens, those too created by God in His Image. You are an Alien Too Chances are that your family were Aliens when they came to the United States and quite recently relative to history. I decided to investigate my heritage through DNA testing. From the analysis, I discovered my ancestors came to the United States in two waves as “Aliens.” The first wave was when my great, great, great grandfather (from my mother’s side) arrived to America around the year 1800 from Western Europe. The second wave, on my father’s side arrived around the year 1900 migrating from Greece. Both sides of my family came to the United States as “Aliens” to find a better place for them and their families to live. Ellis Island Open for Dreamers These are your relatives. When they arrived as Aliens, many of them were greeted by “Lady Liberty” welcoming them to a new and unique land; one where their differences are welcomed and celebrated. For those not familiar with her salutation, please read with pride her words below. As a result of her message of compassion, America became America—the one in which was looked to by the world as the pillar of Grace. “Give me your tired , your poor , your huddled masses yearning to breathe free , the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door" America was once known as a land offering refuge from enemies, a home to worship freely, and a place to break free from restrictive and oppressive laws and from dictators who held them back from opportunities only found in America.
In fact, out relatives were Dreamers no different than those politicized and identified as “Dreamers” today; a subject, discussed in a following Post. For now, just imagine how happy our ancestors (Dreamers) were when they docked at Ellis Island.
In The Year 2020 Today, things are much different than they were for our Alien ancestors and just a few generations ago. Today, our Lady of Liberty seems to have turned her back to Aliens regardless of their plight. Imagine how puny and weak of a nation we would be had our Ancestors been forced to turn back. How different and insignificant we would be today. Instead of benefiting from the diversity of intellect, music, art and so much more, America would be bland, unexciting and a boring place to live. People would look the same, eat the same, think the same, believe the same, and die the same. What a monotonous, predictable, and terrible and boring place it would be—just more of the status quo and for what cause? There is No Room for You? I get angry when I hear people, and many “Evangelicals” concur with this President that it is “OK” that America slams the door on migrants; separate their families and imprison children on our southern border. When I people ask why they feel this way, they often respond “The Inn Is Full” more specifically, there is not enough real estate or resources for the “two” of us.
I decided it was time to do some research to find the truth as it pertains to population capacity. In my research, I found out some interesting statistics addressing land capacity of the Largest and most populated countries in the world. Take a look. I had no idea Russia is the largest country (in terms of real-estate) in the world—and almost twice as large as the next largest country behind it, which is Canada and then followed by the United States, China and India. What is so striking is that the United States has 3 times more land than India (the most population country in the world) , but India has a population density of almost 12 times more than the United States. Note: the analysis is broad not analyzing livable space compared to those such as the deserts, and harsh conditions of Siberia, but it doesn’t change the big picture and the fact is the United States has a long way to go before it reaches even a fraction of its capacity. The United States is not even close to being “filled up” and one day we will regret our stringent and callous policies aimed to keep people out just like other countries are in regret today. A number of countries in Europe for example, with past restrictive immigration policies, have discovered their population numbers have thinned out so much, they fear they may not be able to sustain their economy, infrastructure and to secure and provide security for the aged. Another reason, many do not want the aliens into the United States is because our President called them “Drug dealer, criminals and rapists.” Instead of defending them, many find it beneficial to hide between Trump’s words; he has given them permission to display deep seated racism now liberated. Just go to a rally and look at all of the Nazi and confederate flags. What was shameful just a few years ago, is now trendy. Did Lady Liberty change Her Mind? It was migrating aliens that made America what it is today. This was only possible because of our Lady Liberty’s greeting of: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” While researching for this blog, I was disturbed when I read that a top Trump U.S. immigration official revised Lady Freedom’s quote by adding to the end of her greeting the following. “ who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge .” He further clarified that the call to the masses was referring to people from Europe. NO--that is a lie and a BIG LIE . A simple google search for the symbolism of the statue proves she is speaking to the World—All Seven Continents. "The seven-pointed crown on her head symbolizes the seven continents and seven seas, and the broken shackles at her feet represent freedom from oppression. Lady Liberty possesses a few other symbols as well. She's holding a tablet in her left hand inscribed with the date July 4, 1776 (the date of American independence) written in Roman numerals (July IV MDCCLXXVI). And that giant torch in her right hand? It's meant to represent enlightenment — a fitting accessory for Liberty Enlightening the World." It is worth noting, that Trump appointee went further so as to separate (divide) our nation more than he has already. He also announced his new public charge to... "limit even legal immigrants seeking certain public benefits such as public housing or food aid, or are considered likely to do so in the future.” That’s right, let’s make sure these “legal” immigrants get none of the benefits they pay taxes for because “We are real Americans ” and those benefits only apply to those born on America soil; dirt-scribed and scribed in it is a man-made line to keep the undesirables out-just like Jesus intended. When Pride Comes, so Does Destruction What is the basis for Americans to believe they are so special and why they come first over Aliens and quite frankly, over anyone else in the world who are not Americans? I can’t answer for everyone, but I am certain it is mostly rooted in Pride, and not the good kind. It is the sort of pride the prophesizes the fate of the arrogant as written in Proverbs 16:18 as follows: Pride goeth before destruction, and and haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)