#the only thing the hamas attack did was bring up everything israel was doing up front

[ragnarssons]

real question tho, @ the people who keep saying "hamas is forcing the palestinian people to stay, hamas is using them as shields, they're holding them hostages!" what do you even mean? israel built a whole ass wall with cameras and barbed wire to imprison the people of gaza. israel bombed rafah. israel bombed convoys of people, ambulances fleeing to the south as "ordered" by the idf. israel still bombs the south right now, refugee camps and UNWRA schools in the south. israel is ordering the hospitals up north to pack up and leave, doctors to leave their sick on their deathbeds, abandoned to die! and that's without mentioning that the distance north to south in the gaza strip is no more than 40km... not even an hour long car ride. tell me again, how that's hamas' doing?

[anthonybialy]

Standing Up to Lying

Confidence is key, especially if you have nothing about which to be confident.  Blatant lying is a trendy substitute for foresight.  There’s no need to think things out or be decent for those who’ve settled on pretending to be swell all along.  Nothing’s more important to maintain than the power of imagination.  The childlike quality is popular amongst technical adults who are somehow becoming even more flagrant about denying the course of events.  Don’t dare them to get more shameless, as the challenge will be accepted.

Casting Israel as the bad guy is a twist so lame that M. Night Shyamalan would pass on it.  Hamas Fan Club members claim the serial killer’s victim filled shallow graves more than passively.  The most shameful distortion of reality yet can’t be blamed on fog.  A war illustrates dedication.  Atrocity leads to absurdity.

Fables about Israel’s villainous colonial extermination don’t merely reflect anti-Semitism, although contempt for God’s chosen people is chosen by godlessly contemptible people.  Humanity’s embodiments of wise tolerance think they’re truly modern sophisticates by hating everything Jewish as they explain when men and women are not the respective genders they appear.

Who took hostages?  Determining the answer might help determine culpability, which is why leftists won’t do so.  Accountability is uncool unless you’re blaming the assaulted party.  Innocents exchanged for war criminals serves as yet one more clue in a conflict where the good and bad guys couldn’t be clearer.  Meanwhile, the narrative couldn’t be more twisted.

Terror merchants who butchered every Jew in their path might just be responsible.  Anyone who doesn’t like bombings should scold human demons too cartoonish for Marvel movies.  That means Hamas and not those striving to eliminate their traveling slaughterhouse, for the record.

The whole bit where they took bloodshed on the road in a tolerant nation is about as obvious as evidence gets.  Then again, Israel is smeared as a genocide perpetrator who murders the innocent indiscriminately because they’re pursuing those who actually did that, so every following bit of self-parodic nonsense seems anticlimactic by comparison.

Figuring out who started this is the sort of thing your mom knew was helpful when your sibling slugged you first.  Retaining simple lessons from kindergarten may bring profound wisdom.  The sequence of events is kind of an important point that’s coincidentally disregarded the same people who never notice cause and effect.  Avoid getting nuked by not bombing a harbor.

Lying on behalf of Hamas only sounds like satire.  Seeing anyone who fails at life as oppressed is a sick craving.  If it makes terror enthusiasts feel better, they should know the cause of taking Israel’s land to create a Third World abomination of a terror state that’s destined to fail would be yet one more monumental error.

If you want sympathy from wokesters, attack.  Their Holy Land terror take reflects how they see crime, namely as an expression of indignation.  Casting the wrong people as victims is reflected by thinking felons have been prompted into misbehaving by our cruel society.  Never mind that the excusers ruined the economy themselves by punishing success: missing stuff and gaping wounds are consequences of what goon backers consider justified outbursts.

Economists agree present conditions equal a flaming toxic dumpster train wreck.  Consult the most qualified experts, namely those suffering from it.  Tell broke people they can buy what they wish for a further insult.

Crediting Commander Joe Biden for partial repairs of their wholesale destruction is rich in a way people aren’t.  Whether it applies to making money itself worthless, excusing away crime, or making a case for marauders stampeding through the Middle East’s only republic, self-proclaimed progressives always side with destructors.  All those unpaid college degrees didn’t teach useful skills.

Democrats pretending their presumptions happened has been a popular hobby this decade.  Does the world seem happy?  Loving leaders legislate against hate, which results in everyone despising each other.  Inflicting outcomes that run precisely counter to intentions is their brand.

Statism’s victims are only now starting to recover from the most intense round of treatment.  Please stop trying to cure us.  The prognosis is clear enough that you’d have to willfully ignore how much sicker quacks have made society.

Panic situations prompt liberals to swipe in and shriek until everyone around them has headaches.  Benevolent autocrats who entrusted themselves with sweeping crisis powers were as wrong about stopping the virus by jabbing each other with needles and yardsticks while breathing through Mort masks as they were about America being a racist monstrosity.  Noticing they exacerbated spurs them to lecture you more.

Doing all they can to shut down rights and the economy is how they respond to everything.  It wouldn’t be so bad if their daft frenzies were self-contained.  But they harass everyone else as policy.

Needing to fib to make their ideology work doesn’t really work.  Sensible humans would adjust their mentality upon realizing every bit of evidence stands against it.  Of course, anyone equipped with the slightest modicum of sense wouldn’t have fallen for fiend-enabling nonsense in the first place, so those suckered are vulnerable to suggestion.

Blaring irony is one of countless symptoms.  Make sure you’ve gotten your anti-leftist booster.  The allegedly open-minded remain stubbornly dedicated to their terror-apologizing and commerce-wrecking ways.  The world must be doing it wrong, as there’s no way supporters of war against Israel and success could be making life worse.  Earth has some nerve forcing saints who are attempting to fix it to deceive a bit about their blessed efforts. 

[sterpernie]

Probably no one will read this, but I hope someone will. To my fellow Americans, it is absolutely fair to cut people off for beliefs you disagree with and may one day lead to you suffering harm, but if you have someone you love with these beliefs that you are thinking about cutting out of your life, please consider a few things first.

1. We are living in echo chambers, repeating our beliefs back at us. If we don't interact with people who believe differently, how are they ever going to hear a different perspective that is not completely twisted by the media they consume?

2. They often don't understand what they are asking for. There is a sizeable minority (1/3 of Americans per the NYT) that do not know Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are the same thing. They want to repeal Obamacare but keep the ACA. People want tariffs not realizing that they aren't the same as sanctions. They don't realize that China is not going to be paying the tariffs, they will. China is not going to eat the costs of the taxes (tariffs) levied against them for exporting to the US, China will just raise the prices of their goods and probably levy tariffs against US exports to China in retaliation like they did during Trump's last term, resulting in everything getting more expensive. It it pretty striking to look at the education demographics of who voted what party.

3. They don't get the whole story. There was an immigration bill that would give the Republicans basically everything they wanted in regard to the border. Trump killed it because he wanted immigration to remain an issue for him to run on. My dad, who listens exclusively to right wing media, heard nothing about it. He was shocked it didn't pass when he was told. When he hears about Palestinians, he only hears about them referred to as terrorists and Hamas, attacking Israel unprovoked. He has never heard about the Nakbas or about how terrible the conditions were in Gaza even prior to October 7th.

4. A scary amount of Americans have no damn clue how the US government works. They think, abortion protections were repealed under democrats, so it's their fault despite the extensive groundwork laid by Republicans ever since Roe v Wade was initially decided in the 1970s culminating in a Republican supermajority on the Supreme court that actually overturned the ruling. They think, why am I paying taxes to forgive someone else's student debt when I didn't go to college/payed off my college loans/worked my butt off for scholarships/made sacrifices so I could afford college/etc, not realizing that the debt forgiveness is really just making sure the programs that were already in place are actually implemented instead of allowing the loan servicers to continue milking these people for cash long after their debt should have been forgiven. They think the economy and how good/bad it's doing is solely up to the President despite the fact that the purse strings are held by Congress and the Federal Reserve, which controls interest rates, is an independent body not controlled by the President.

5. For the immigrants, they don't realize that all immigrants are persona non grata, not just people who came to the US illegally. My immigrant mother told me she votes for Trump because he's "gonna stop all the immigrants who are coming to take our jobs", not realizing that despite her naturalized citizenship, she will always be seen as one of those immigrants she talks about. She doesn't realize when he talks about chain migration, he's talking about the system she took advantage of to bring multiple members of her family to the US and allowed them much better quality of life than the relatives still in her home country. She thinks, because she lives in a large urban coastal area, that all parts of the US are just as accepting.

If you have a loved one with whom your only problem is politics (not abuse of any kind, but someone you love and care for), please consider staying in their lives. I am not saying make friends with people to try and change their beliefs, I am saying give your loved one a face to put to the "radical libs".

when people are like “oh so you’re just gonna judge someone for their political beliefs?” yes actually. I think someone’s values and opinions is a pretty reasonable thing to judge them for.

[bisluthq]

Any organisation that would want to topple their occupational power will be deemed a terrorist organisation. The ANC was designated a terrorist group.

Palestinians, and especially Palestinians, will never regain their land and freedom without violent resistance and that’s the extremely unfortunate truth. And that truth exists because there’s a population of people living on their land who’s identity literally is reliant upon them being moved off it.

Calling the resistance a terrorist group in this situation, as like an argument point, is using the language of the oppressors that have been cultivated this situation for decades. Who gives a fuck about designating the only group fighting for Palestinians in Gaza to be free a terrorist group when Israel is a fascist ethnostate - filled to the brim with the very people who voted for their fascist government, many of whom have no actual ties to the land (unless they start bringing up the fucking Romans) and who are now gleefully murdering and starving Palestinians in their thousands?

Bro okay the ANC engaged in guerrilla warfare. They identified key strategic targets to sabotage (power plants, railways, etc) and actually worked hard to try to minimize casualties and especially civilian casualties so attacks usually took place at night for example. They did this in order to disrupt the functioning of the apartheid state not because they were jihadists. They also only started doing this - under the armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe which ironically enough was led by a white Jewish man called Joe Slovo - after a number of peaceful protests and attempts at negotiations had fallen through. They were not calling for the destruction or death of all white people or even every National Party member - they were calling for democracy and equal rights. The ANC never stormed into a music festival and murdered a bunch of random ass people and then went and kidnapped elderly people and babies from their homes lol while engaging in sexual violence. That’s not what the ANC did. That’s not resistance, that’s blatant terror. Further to that, the ANC was a political movement calling for, as I said, equal rights and democracy. Hamas is the legitimate government of Gaza, which is a separate state to Israel? If Israeli Arabs engaged in acts of sabotage against the Israeli government then that would be equivalent but that’s not at all what’s happening here?? These are two separate countries at war with each other? In fact, Arab Israelis have multiple political parties and Ra’am was even part of the coalition government in 2021? If Israel was an apartheid state akin to South Africa’s system how… would that have happened? And Ra’am is just one of the majority Arab political parties in the Knesset, Hadash also has seats?? Hadash is more comparable to the ANC as they’re also a bunch of commies lol and like tbf they get in trouble but like they continue to exist as a LEGALLY RECOGNIZED political force and they have seats in the Knesset and like a voice and shit?

the occupied West Bank is a different conversation altogether but like we can’t just mush everything into one discussion. One can condemn illegal settlements and say the PA is not doing enough to sort that whole thing out and that the Israelis need to leave NOW and also simultaneously say “wow what Hamas did and does to their own people and to Israelis is pretty messed up.”

As I’ve said multiple times, none of this excuses what Israel is currently doing. HOWEVER, I’m not sure how you go from “guerrilla warfare is a fair tactic to employ in a liberation movement” to “stealing babies is cool”.

I also think the “gleefully” is idk reminding me of blood libel type accusations. Israeli soldiers don’t seem any more “gleeful” to me than the Hamas operatives who carried out the attacks on October 7th.

You can and should call for a ceasefire without defending really fucked up shit in the process? It’s well possible and imo even necessary to condemn both sides?

[nataliesnews]

I go to shul 13.10.2023

This evening I went to shul with my friend, Bettina. I have never been to a reform service before. In fact I don't think that I have been in a shul since Oscar was ill. It was so different from anything I know.

The service was conducted by two rabbis, a woman and a man. But when the rabbi broke down and the rabba comforted him  it was a very emotional  moment. One rabba whom  I know said when she saw me that we must really be in dire straits.

 At the end the names of those who have lost family were read out and amongst them one of the foreign helpers who was killed with her employer. So bitter. To come all this way to help her family and then to be murdered. I wish I had faith but not only do I have no faith but I have lost all belief in anything that is being told to us. There is no news. Just discussions. When Bettina brought me home, we agreed that the worst was that there was no one in whom we could believe anymore. In any other country, the prime minister would have resigned.

But in Israel no. He does not mention his two brats. Where are they?

And what is there that we do not know that can still happen to us. How come they are concentrating on Ashkelon? Is there a reason that Jerusalem  has been spared until now. Is Hamas preparing a massive attack on the capital of Israel. All the time we are hearing of sudden attacks all over the place.

When I was at the demonstration against one of the ministers,Barkat, a man,  not with us,  was screaming at the guards pof a useless minister that he had just come from four funerals of friends and why were they guarding a  minister of a useless government. I went past Mount Herzl and it was a terrible sight. Worse than Yom Kippur. People going in and coming out. 100s if not 1000s. When we got to the station, I could not get to my feet and had to ask someone to help me.

Now I am forcing myself to eat. I don't want to be a burden to anyone.

My head is like cotton wool. I get up and don't know why I get up. .

El Al will not fly on Shabbat because of the owner even though so many young people are desperate to get back.

This is the post

This is Eli Rosenberg - 28 years old and he is the owner of El Al.

This boy, who was born for money, got everything in a golden spoon and never fought for anything in his life, is the one who decides now not to operate El Al flights to bring equipment that will protect our soldiers.

Why? Because it is forbidden to sell plane tickets and fly on Shabbat.

I want to know who is the rabbi who advises this zero? Both of them have a place in hell alongside everyone who has ever betrayed their people.

This is how it is when you allow a third of the people not to serve in the army and not to be part of the fight for our right to be here.

Neither he nor his rabbi know anyone who has been killed or injured.

Their children did not recruit in Order 8, the money did not stop flowing to them in the finance committee in the Knesset this week.

incidentally. Why Postpone Shabbat? Of money.

If the state issues an order that he does not have to sell and cover the cost of the tickets, he will operate the flights.

There will be no more Friday flights. Too late to take them out

When we came back from shul the streets were empty.

I am sending you a PDF which no one speaks of on tv and I doubt you would have heard about it from anyone else. How the Bedouin whom we have treated so badly have reached out to all of us.

Evidently Netanyahu is going to speak to us. Maybe I should not have eaten beforehand. I must be a glutton for punishment if I listen to it. How can he explain that he has so little pride that he does not feel the need to resign.

How can that bastard stand and speak of those who are serving, those who are grieving, why does he answer us as to  where his sons are hiding.  If they had belonged to a decent family  they would themselves have come back. How can he ask for help of foreign powers when his sons remain overseas. He did not say one thing worth repeating. He looks as if he is under the influence of some drug.

Watch his eyes.

There just came a report that terrorists entered a religious town near Jerusalem. But after that there was no follow up. We do not know from one moment to the next what is happening.

[massielandnetwork]

Important Economic Trends During Anarchy

2021 – Let the Games Begin

15. A Christian Secession – Distortions are Bubbling

Did you enjoy “Happy Birthing Person Day”? I gave the Love of My Life a bouquet of her favorite flowers. It would have been interesting to visit a card shop and see how many Birthing Person Day versus Mother’s Day cards were on the racks. “Birthing Person” is probably only useful as a tool to identify idiots like the Demented Marxists (DMs) in control of our Congress.

Perhaps Melinda Gates should be the U. S. Attorney General. She is the only person that has displayed any moral backbone of those connected with Jeffrey Epstein and his pedophilia gang. Epstein constantly bubbles to the surface like methane gas from a land fill and yet no one has been prosecuted for the crimes committed. At least Melinda is publicly cleaning Billy’s plow. I wonder what she would do with Hunter’s laptop?

Meanwhile the Keystone Kops (aka FBI and Department of Justice) are fully committed to prosecuting Americans that were upset about election fraud in DC on January 6 while giving free rides to Antifa that destroyed Billions of Dollars of property in numerous USA cities. They have Hunter Biden’s laptop and all of Epstein’s video/data along with his female accomplice but are unable identify any laws broken? Do the DOJ/FBI/DM’s get together for MOVIE NIGHT with Biden’s and Epstein’s libraries? Who do you think is now collecting the blackmail payments?

Gas lines, a middle east war (did you see the videos of Israel’s Iron Dome defending against 130 rockets form Hama?), rising inflation– this does feel familiar. The price of corn is up 120%, soybeans are up 60% and wheat is up 40% over last year so food prices are going to soar. The “D Team” is in charge (Democrats, aka Demented Marxists). I have yet to identify a D Team member that has accomplished anything in real life. Build Back Better must mean Trash First.

In a bright spot, Martha’s Vineyard has voted in favor of a huge windmill farm thus marking the first time The Elites have abused themselves. Those Chinese made windmills are 900 feet tall (the equivalent of a 90-story building), noisy, plus there are reports of serious vibrations. Not to mention ugly like a solar farm. This should be fun to watch. If you own property there, sell.

Pre-Wuhan Virus, the American economy was humming. Economic growth was the strongest in decades, unemployment was the lowest in decades, and businesses were growing but running with lean inventories practicing “Just in Time” supply pipeline management. With the abrupt shutdown, toilet paper became scarce because folks overreacted buying multiple years’ worth of toilet paper. The toilet paper manufacturers went into overtime producing the maximum supply trying to catch up with demand. Today, toilet paper is in such surplus that “Free Toilet Paper” is a giveaway inducement for other goods. That was an artificial distortion of the market where the short-term demand for toilet paper exceeded supply.

The same dynamic is in play in steel, OSB board, drywall, computer chips, even labor, in fact almost everywhere. Our economy is experiencing distortions so prices are rising to balance supply with demand. Many of the shortages are artificially created by our DM government paying folks NOT to work thus depriving business of the labor they need to expand their production. The DMs in control of Congress, the White House, and the various government agencies seem amazed that if you pay people not to work, they do not work. Incompetence.

Signs advertising for workers are everywhere yet unemployment is increasing. Actually, the number of folks on the government dole is increasing. Government is not the answer to the problem, IT IS THE PROBLEM. The only solution is less government.

Meanwhile, everything costs significantly more than one year ago. The Fed says it is temporary because as workers return to their jobs, more productivity will come online and prices will decline. Theoretically, that is correct but prices tend to be “Sticky” going down. Furthermore, that analysis does not take into account the increased cost of energy, materials, etc.

The fact … this is the front edge of serious inflation. We have discussed for some time that the alternatives were rapid economic growth (Trump’s agenda) or devaluation/inflation (Biden and his fellow DM’s agenda). Trump’s agenda would have created wealth, the DM’s agenda brings only pain. Those of us that lived through the Stagflation of the late 1970’s have seen this nasty combination before when Jimmy Carter was President. Cinch up your saddle, this will be ugly.

Here are some critical economic events.

1. U. S. Steel canceled their planned $1.5 Billion investment in a new manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. They join Ford in canceling Billion Dollar investments in manufacturing here in the US. Biden’s investment partner, China, wins again. Are you tired of losing yet?

2. Ransomware attacks are up because the wealth of the USA makes us particularly great target. But Biden and his fellow DMs have the answer just like about the crisis at our southern border? “Crisis? I do not see a crisis.” Dementia has a benefit.

3. Green energy is not economically viable without enormous government (taxpayer) support which is a red flag to any thinking person. The current gas shortages are caused by ransomware but is a foretaste of government by Green Energy illusionists/ DMs.

Keep watching the activity about the fraudulent election last November.

1. Michigan – The Antrim County investigation results are in and they prove massive fraud. The bulldog attorney that is pursuing that investigation despite DM threats has filed with a court seeing to EXPAND the audit. Previously the Michigan Supreme Court previously ruled that the Michigan Secretary of State exceeded her authority when she approved a variety of changes to the state’s election laws. Was the “certified” election in Michigan a fraud? YES.

2. The Arizona legislature authorized recount of 2.1 Million votes in Maricopa County, Arizona is rolling despite the DMs attempt to prevent it. I have read that the Department of Justice has 100 attorneys assigned to shut down the audit. Do you find it interesting that the DM’s do not want the election audited?

3. Apparently, Mark Zuckerberg gave $400 Million to localities for the election so long as his group could run those elections. Facebook needs regulation.

4. Lawsuits have been filed and counter filed by Mike Lindell, Sidney Powell, and Dominion (the voting machine company). Stay tuned, much more to come.

121 days into the DMs’ coup (the longest four months EVER), I am already tired of losing and exhausted with self-important politicians and bureaucrats who in the real world would be recognized as idiots. Here are some recent events that will impact our economic future:

1. The Fed says they are going to continue their Quantitative Easing (QE) or another 2+ years. The stock market has realized that inflation is here. The Fed knows any reduction in QE will mean higher interest rates. Higher interest rates mean a slower real estate market and ultimately lower prices for real estate and financial assets.

2. It was reported on Wednesday that the annual inflation rate for April was 4.2%. As the rate of inflation continues to increase, the financial markets will raise interest rates faster than The Fed anticipates or force The Fed to greatly expand their QE. Watch the 10-year Treasury. Without QE, interest rates would be higher today. Various sources estimate that by the end of 2021 the 10-year Treasury will be 2.5% to 3.0% and mortgage rates will increase to 4.0% to 4.5%. Those may be low.

3. When Bubbles burst, shortage becomes surplus overnight. Unsustainable things continue until that unpredictable moment when they stop. In a financial crisis “Cash is King”. Get prepared.

A great piece of land remains The Best investment long term unless the DMs get us to full-fledged Marxism. Capitalism builds wealth, Marxism/Socialism consumes it in self destruction. Pray for a return to honest elections in the USA. God is in control. Men make plans, but God ALWAYS wins.

“Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.”

(1 Peter 2:12) New Revised Standard Version, Oxford University Press)

Stay healthy,

Ned

May 12, 2021

Copyright Massie Land Network. All rights Reserved.

[the-record-columns]

Oct. 2, 2019: Columns

More interesting Kiwanis history...

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

More than a few columns in this space have been prompted by a visit from one person or another to the offices of The Record and Thursday Printing.  Admittedly, the front of our building surely will attract most any person looking for an antique store, and, after a brief apology for nothing being for sale, many a great visit has ensured. 

Some time ago, one of our customers, Terry Nichols with Wilkes Fire Systems, dropped by.  Terry very much enjoys local history and, in the course of our conversation, he asked about any pictures I may have of the Town of North Wilkesboro from earlier times.  Actually, I have a small notebook full of those pictures, thanks to two wonderful ladies, my sister-in-law Pug Welborn, who, in her own way, helped raise me; and Mrs. Elizabeth “Lib” Forester, a truly kind soul who was the go-to person for local history for many, many years.  These two ladies were always willing to dig through their things and find some photo or artifact that would help in any project.

I miss them both a great deal.

I found my notebook of pictures and showed it to Terry, but, while looking, I also uncovered my Kiwanis newsletter notebook which I compiled from the papers of local educator, attorney, and legislator Mr. T.E. Story.  Most of these newsletters are from the 1920’s and early 1930’s, and each one is printed on stationery donated by one of the members to save the club money. So, in addition to the well-written and often humorous newsletters themselves, they also provide a lot of business history for the area. 

In no time, I was flipping through the Kiwanis book, sharing with Terry some of the fascinating things I ran across in putting them together.  The club secretary for many of those years was a man called Bid Williams who was I the insurance business.  In his “thank you” note to the donor of the letterhead and the envelopes, he often injected a gentle dig or a bit of levity; and often added a quote or thought for the day.  “Usefulness is the rent we pay for the space we occupy in this world.  Some of us are way behind on the rent.”  Another favorite is “The poorest man I the world is the man who has a lot to live on and nothing to live for.”

Often in the thank you’s are short plugs for the donor's business.  When it was Marvin Brame's week, the secretary noted that one of Brame Drug Store's famous patent medicines was the “Pain Knocker” which Marvin called, The Great Eliptical Asiatical Panticurial Nervous Cordial that cures all diseases known to humanity and other beasts.” Or from 1924, when J. C. Reins, owner of Reins Brothers Monuments, donated the paper, envelopes and stamps. Bid Williams, the secretary, referred to him as “Tombstone Jim” and noted that he would take your measure, either day or night, living or dead, and promise satisfaction.  A thanks to Ed Turner of J. L. Turner and Son funeral home noted that he “...was a fine and on time undertaker.” adding, “Give him a trial and see where you'll go.  And, while we are I this vein, there is a note on the newsletter of April 10, 1931 thanking Mr. Jr. R. His, President of Turner-White Casket Company for the stationery.  It goes on to say that Jim says his WOODEN OVERCOATS are selling right along in spite of the...“REPRESSION.”

Think about that line a minute.

And I know I have mentioned this one before, but no column that includes any of Kenny's Kiwanis History would be complete without noting that some of the letterheads are as entertaining as the newsletters themselves.  There are several, including Henry Reynolds letterhead which mentions “Kitchen Sinks, Auto Parts, Plumbing Outfits, Steam Rollers, Hot Air Appliances, and, of course, Rat Traps. But the best of all is William Fletcher Absher's clothing store, Absher and Blackburn, noted on a 1828 newsletter as Western North Carolina's Leading Clothier and Haberdasher, followed by the classic line “Anything for sale that can't be found at Nike Smithey's” 

Thanks for stopping by Terry, you're welcome anytime.

Next year in Jerusalem

By AMBASSADOR EARL COX and KATHLEEN COX

Those who are proponents of BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) against Israel do it under the banner of helping promote social justice for those Arabs who have decided to call themselves Palestinians.  Truth be told, ALL, Jew and Arab alike, who are native to the land of Israel are actually “Palestinians” as this term was coined to describe a region and not a nation or a particular people group. There are no Palestinians in the sense of describing a specific nation just as there is no nation made up of “Western North Carolinians.”  But the world has accepted this lie because It’s been told so many times and everyone knows that what appears in print or is reported on the television must be true!  Let’s pray the reverse is also truth – that truth told often enough becomes recognized and embraced as fact.  That’s the primary goal of the articles appearing in this column.

 BDS campaigns first appeared on the scene following Israel’s 1948 War of Independence.  On the very day Israel was reborn as a nation, this tiny, fledgling country, with no organized military and very few weapons and munitions, was attacked from every side by her Arab neighbors.  Viewed through the lens of human reasoning, an Arab victory was certain.  Before even taking its first breath, the plan was for baby Israel to die.  To everyone’s surprise, Israel crushed the invasion.  Israel proved such a formidable force of resistance that the Arab ran to the U.N. begging them to stop Israel. 

Since war did not destroy the Jews, the Arabs devised a plan to starve them out.  It started as a boycott and, while loosely organized at first, the BDS campaign took shape over the years and spread beyond the Middle East.  The Arab League, a group of Arab countries formed to promote economic health and political unity in the region, is credited with giving traction to the boycott movement.

The modern BDS movement is fueled by those Arabs calling themselves Palestinians and is supported by the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization), Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups and, through a very effective propaganda machine, has spread around the world and even infiltrated certain denominations within the Christian community. It’s grown from a boycott of Israeli goods to now include a shunning of Israel’s culture, sports, academic institutions, as well as any services provided by Israel.  As excellent as the Palestinians are at forming and promoting their anti-Israel campaigns, Israel is extremely poor at handling their own public relations.  “Tooting your own horn” is viewed by Israelis as culturally shameful.  This must change.  If the world only knew of the many Israeli products and technological advances used in our cars, homes, hospitals, and businesses, all who engage in BDS would have to return to living cave-man style or admit that they are hypocrite.  

BDS is not a peaceful campaign.  Its leadership legitimizes terrorism and the murder of Jews as ‘legitimate resistance’ claiming Israel is illegally occupying land that belongs to the Palestinians – even though there is not, and has never been, a Palestinian nation. History reveals that the entire land of Israel rightfully belongs to the Jewish people. The Holy Scriptures and modern archeology support this fact.  

Nevertheless, Israel has always had enemies wanting to destroy and wipe the nation from off the face of the earth. BDS is just one of the newer foes that have risen for that purpose, but it will not succeed.  When Jews the world over gather together outside of Israel for weddings or other celebrations, upon departure they always declare to one another, “Next year in Jerusalem!”  

Did you say Bacon?

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

I have come to understand that bacon is more than food. It seems to have the power to drive people to all sorts of levels of human experience.

Did you know that the first meal eaten on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin contained bacon? After landing at the Sea of Tranquility, the two astronauts dined on a meal that consisted of bacon squares, peaches, sugar cookie cubes, a pineapple grapefruit drink and coffee; a tasty meal suited for any hero.  

On any day in the Carolinas, the smell of bacon cooking is enough to bring everyone in the house together, if only for a moment, to secure their portions of the alluring food.

Why do we like the smell and taste so much? From generation to generation, the love of bacon seems to be part of our cultural makeup and we are not alone.  Many parts of the world enjoy their version of a pork cured delight as well.

Some years ago, there was a survey taken in Canada that suggested that more than 40 percent of those surveyed would choose bacon over an intimate moment with a companion. That’s big bacon love if you ask me. Or maybe it’s just one of those surveys that makes you laugh and think at the same time.

I recently attended the N.C. Bacon Festival in Rocky Point. The first year of the festival was delayed due to Hurricane Florence. It was a wet time for everyone in the eastern part of North Carolina. A lot of damage was seen by many; however, when things dried out enough, the festival did take place for one day and attracted around 6,000 people.

In late September 2019, the N.C. Bacon Festival at Old Homestead Farm enjoyed excellent weather, 15,000 attendees, thousands of pounds of bacon and food vendors who added bacon to almost everything they offered.

For those of us who just love the smell of bacon, the bacon scented candles were a big hit.

I asked Festival Director David Crookes why this event was important to Rocky Point. He shared with me some of the challenges of our coastal communities and especially those who have experienced the damage caused from storms in recent years.

A great family-focused festival will attract people and those people will fill up at gas stations, eat at local venues, stay in nearby hotels and in general be beneficial for the local economy.

A unique festival such as this brings people together for a good time and that is what I witnessed. Sure, traffic was a challenge, some of the lines were long, but that’s all part of a successful festival and there were a lot of things for people to do.

It is for the love of bacon and a good time that these 15,000 people came together. If you wanted it, you certainly had the opportunity to indulge in a somewhat salty, smoky flavorful delight, sometimes even covered in chocolate. I talked with people who thought the chocolate covered bacon was the best thing they had ever eaten. Others were purest and did not care for it at all.

That’s the way it goes in the world of bacon. If you don’t like it one way, you will likely enjoy it in another.

Here’s to the N.C. Bacon Festival and all the bacon lovers. May the next year be even better.

To my sweet vegan and vegetarian friends, please go to the watermelon festival. I’m serious. There is a lot of bacon at this festival.

Carl White is the Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning syndicated TV show Carl White’s Life In The Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its 10th year of syndication and can be seen in the Charlotte market on WJZY Fox 46 Saturday’s at noon and My 12. The show also streams on Amazon Prime. For more information visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com. You can email Carl at Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

[wetrumpfeed]

Afternoon MAGAthread: YOUR WEEKLY PRESIDENTIAL RECAP!

HAPPPPY SATURDAY DEPLORABLES!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far! This is u/Ivaginaryfriend and I'm here to deliver everything spicy & dank from the past week! If you happened to miss any past recaps you can catch those here!

Sunday, May 5th:

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

I am pleased to inform all of those that believe in a strong, fair and sound Immigration Policy that Mark Morgan will be joining the Trump Administration as the head of our hard working men and women of ICE. Mark is a true believer and American Patriot. He will do a great job!

The Kentucky Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough & tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch. Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby - not even close!

For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods. These payments are partially responsible for our great economic results. The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday. 325 Billions Dollars.... ... ....of additional goods sent to us by China remain untaxed, but will be shortly, at a rate of 25%. The Tariffs paid to the USA have had little impact on product cost, mostly borne by China. The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate. No!

After spending more than $35,000,000 over a two year period, interviewing 500 people, using 18 Trump Hating Angry Democrats & 49 FBI Agents - all culminating in a more than 400 page Report showing NO COLLUSION - why would the Democrats in Congress now need Robert Mueller....... ... ....to testify. Are they looking for a redo because they hated seeing the strong NO COLLUSION conclusion? There was no crime, except on the other side (incredibly not covered in the Report), and NO OBSTRUCTION. Bob Mueller should not testify. No redos for the Dems!

“The Report sounded an awful lot as being Comeyesque, in other words, I’m not going to charge this person (there wasn’t even close to being a crime), but I’m going to criticize him on the way out the door. That’s unfortunate because it’s stepping outside of the role.” Robert Ray

“This is not Congressional Oversight, this is bullying.” Jason Riley, The Wall Street Journal

Pending the confirmation of Mark Morgan as our Nation’s new ICE Director, Matt Albence will serve in the role of Acting Director. Matt is tough and dedicated and has my full support to deploy ICE to the maximum extent of the law! #MAGA

Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defense of its citizens.... ... ....To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace - it can happen!

Despite the tremendous success that I have had as President, including perhaps the greatest ECONOMY and most successful first two years of any President in history, they have stolen two years of my (our) Presidency (Collusion Delusion) that we will never be able to get back..... ... .....The Witch Hunt is over but we will never forget. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

Urban Dictionary is a treasure trove

Well that poll is backfiring. Let’s keep it up pedes!!

YouTube bans Tommy Robinson for talking about Muslim gangs sexually exploiting white girls, but I can go to YouTube and watch Muslims rapping about sexually exploiting white girls, and it was played by the BBC.

Just going to leave this handy chart here.

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Is it acceptable for the attorney general to say this?

When Democrats Are In Power...

Happy Cinco De Mayo Pedes!

Trump for 2020

Who would TRADE creepy non-human ZUCK for TOM? I hate reptilians.

Monday, May 6th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

Three Nominations Sent to the Senate

President Trump Welcomes Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic to the White House

President Trump Presents the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the U.S. Military Academy Football Team

President Trump Presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

“Democrat Texas Congressman Al Green says impeachment is the only thing that can prevent President Trump from re-election in 2020.” @OANN In other words, Dems can’t win the election fairly. You can’t impeach a president for creating the best economy in our country’s history..... ... Also, there are “No High Crimes & Misdemeanors,” No Collusion, No Conspiracy, No Obstruction. ALL THE CRIMES ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE, and that’s what the Dems should be looking at, but they won’t. Nevertheless, the tables are turning!

The United States has been losing, for many years, 600 to 800 Billion Dollars a year on Trade. With China we lose 500 Billion Dollars. Sorry, we’re not going to be doing that anymore!

Scott Walker is 100% correct when he says that the Republicans must WAKE UP to the Democrats State by State power grab. They play very dirty, actually, like never before. Don’t allow them to get away with what they are doing!

Just spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan concerning North Korea and Trade. Very good conversation!

Congratulations @ArmyWP_Football!

Today, it was my true honor to present the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy—for the second year in a row, to the @ArmyWP_Football Black Knights. Congratulations once again on your historic victories, and keep on making us proud!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

Finally, some support for POTUS!

imagine if the parties were swapped

Pres. Trump Pardons Army Lt. Michael Behanna, Convicted Of Murdering Al-Qaeda Detainee

This 👇🏻

TRUMP: I WILL NEVER FORGIVE OBAMA FOR WHAT HE DID TO OUR MILITARY... AND MANY OTHER THINGS THAT I WILL TELL YOU ABOUT IN THE FUTURE 😁

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Is it just me, or are things getting crazier out there?

Today on “They Asked, So I Answered”:

He’s still standing on the graves of his classmates for his own self serving purposes

Free Speech Cafe (No Conservatives Allowed)

I was asleep in 2016; this time I'm signing up for the meme war.

Tuesday, May 7th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Personnel to Key Administration Posts

First Lady Melania Trump's Be Best Anniversary Celebration

Vice President Pence Delivers Remarks at the 49th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

Democrats in Congress must vote to close the terrible loopholes at the Southern Border. If not, harsh measures will have to be taken!

(Retweeting The White House) On the one year anniversary of @FLOTUS' initiative, Be Best, take a look back at some of the highlights! #BeBest

Congratulations @TigerWoods - you are truly one of a kind!

'Forgotten Man' Story: Under Trump, Red Counties Economically Thrive http://bit.ly/2VKPFNq via @BreitbartNews

He wants to impeach because they can’t win election. Sad!

I am pleased to inform you that THE BIG FIREWORKS, after many years of not having any, are coming back to beautiful Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Great work @GovKristiNoem and @SecBernhardt! #MAGA

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

CNN Contributor: ‘When a Woman Is Pregnant, That Is Not a Human Being inside of Her’

Steele's stunning pre-FISA confession: Informant needed to air Trump dirt before election 🤬

Over 35.4k upvotes and climbing on r/all. Good job pedes!

TWITTER Bans Account that Tracks and Reports on Epidemic of Violence Against Trump Supporters

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

This is serious

Looking forward to warmer weather. How about you?

Some people just can’t comprehend this

Careful lads, he's high on truth.

Wednesday, May 8th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to a Key Administration Post

Proclamation on Addressing Mass Migration Through the Southern Border of the United States

Executive Order on Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran

Vice President Pence Visits Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Louisiana

President Trump Departs the White House in Marine One

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

McConnell Backs Trump: Mueller Report Is 'Case Closed' | Breitbart http://bit.ly/2VNaqIl via @BreitbartNews

The reason for the China pullback & attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to “negotiate” with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats, and thereby continue to ripoff the United States (($500 Billion a year)) for years to come.... ... ...Guess what, that’s not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the U.S. to make a deal. We’ll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling U.S. coffers...great for U.S., not good for China!

“The real “Obstruction of Justice” is what the Democrats are trying to do to this Attorney General.” Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). @MariaBartiromo

“Shouldn’t 2015 and 2016 be revealed, how Intelligence Agencies, FBI, tried to sabotage a particular campaign - never been done before?” @SteveForbesCEO @MariaBartiromo

Big Court win at our Southern Border! We are getting there - and Wall is being built!

“Everyone wants to know who needs to be accountable, because it took up two years of our lives talking about this Russian involvement. It proved No Collusion, & people want to trace it back to see how this all happened?” @ainsleyearhardt @foxandfriends TREASONOUS HOAX!

“This British Spy, Christopher Steele, tried so hard to get this (the Fake Dossier) out before the Election. Why?” @kilmeade @foxandfriends

“CASE CLOSED!” @SenateMajLDR

Real estate developers in the 1980’s & 1990’s, more than 30 years ago, were entitled to massive write offs and depreciation which would, if one was actively building, show losses and tax losses in almost all cases. Much was non monetary. Sometimes considered “tax shelter,” ...... ... ....you would get it by building, or even buying. You always wanted to show losses for tax purposes....almost all real estate developers did - and often re-negotiate with banks, it was sport. Additionally, the very old information put out is a highly inaccurate Fake News hit job!

GREAT NEWS FOR OHIO! Just spoke to Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who informed me that, subject to a UAW agreement etc., GM will be selling their beautiful Lordstown Plant to Workhorse, where they plan to build Electric Trucks. GM will also be spending $700,000,000 in Ohio... ... ....in 3 separate locations, creating another 450 jobs. I have been working nicely with GM to get this done. Thank you to Mary B, your GREAT Governor, and Senator Rob Portman. With all the car companies coming back, and much more, THE USA IS BOOMING!

Republicans shouldn’t vote for H.R. 312, a special interest casino Bill, backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren. It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally! 14,996 replies 18,369 retweets 69,053 likes

Our Nation grieves at the unspeakable violence that took a precious young life and badly injured others in Colorado. God be with the families and thank you to the First Responders for bravely intervening. We are in close contact with Law Enforcement.

Thank you @NewtGingrich & @FoxandFriends!

Getting ready to leave for one of my favorite places, the Florida Panhandle, where we’ve given, and are giving, billions of $$$ for the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael. Even though the Dems are totally in our way (they don’t want money to go there) we’re getting it done!

“The reality is, with the Tariffs, the economy has grown more rapidly in the United States and much more slowly in China.” Peter Morici, Former Chief Economist, USITC

Big announcement today: Drug companies have to come clean about their prices in TV ads. Historic transparency for American patients is here. If drug companies are ashamed of those prices—lower them!

Just landed in Panama City Beach, Florida for a rally beginning at 8:00 P.M. Eastern. Will be live on @FoxNews! #MAGA @tuckercarlson @seanhannity

Big crowds in Panama City Beach, Florida. See everyone in 30 minutes! @FoxNews @TuckerCarlson @SeanHannity

Beautiful evening in Panama City Beach, Florida. Thank you! #MAGA

MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

After a great rally in Panama City Beach, Florida - I am returning to Washington, D.C. with @SenRickScott and Senator @MarcoRubio, discussing the terrible abuses by Maduro. America stands with the GREAT PEOPLE of Venezuela for however long it takes!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

This young patriot bravely sacrificed his life to tackle a deranged school shooter yesterday. He stopped the gunfire, saving lives. Kendrick Castillo is a hero. You won’t see this on redacted because WE are the side that honors selflessness

BREAKING: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Warned UK PM Theresa May that if she allows Huawei Technologies into Britain's 5G, "U.S. will not share America’s national security secrets in a network we don’t have confidence in and is controlled by China"

FBI opened obstruction case against Trump before Mueller was appointed, court files show

Two young men, who did what was right. No matter what it took.

PRESS BRIEFINGS, INTERVIEWS, RALLIES:

Watch Party: President Donald J. Trump MAGA Rally Panama City Beach, FL 5/8/19

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Word of the day: "Baizuo"

Backfired

OMFG DED 😂😂😂😂💀💀💀💀

Yes

Line for the Trump rally in Panama City Beach. Three and a half hours before the rally begins

Thursday, May 9th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

Proclamation on Military Spouse Day, 2019

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Appoint Individual to a Key Administration Post

President Trump Delivers Remarks on Ending Surprise Medical Billing

President Trump Welcomes the 2018 World Series Champions The Boston Red Sox to the White House

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost Testifies About the Border Crisis

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

Great news today: My Administration just secured a historic donation of HIV prevention drugs from Gilead to help expand access to PrEP for the uninsured and those at risk. Will help us achieve our goal of ending the HIV epidemic in America!

Today, it was my honor to welcome the 2018 World Series Champion Boston @RedSox to the @WhiteHouse!

House Republicans should not vote for the BAD DEMOCRAT Disaster Supplemental Bill which hurts our States, Farmers & Border Security. Up for vote tomorrow. We want to do much better than this. All sides keep working and send a good BILL for immediate signing!

(Retweeting VP Mike Pence) Great to be at R&J Johnson Farms in Glyndon, Minnesota today! Since the earliest days of our administration, @POTUS has promised to keep fighting for our farmers - & that’s exactly what we’ve done!

(Retweeting The White House) President @realDonaldTrump hosted the 2018 World Series Champions, the Boston @RedSox, at the White House!

James Comey is a disgrace to the FBI & will go down as the worst Director in its long and once proud history. He brought the FBI down, almost all Republicans & Democrats thought he should be FIRED, but the FBI will regain greatness because of the great men & women who work there!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

BREAKING: Hillary Clinton’s campaign accepted large and illegal donation from the sex slave cult NXIVM

THE HILL: FBI's Steele story (completely) falls apart: False intel and media contacts were flagged before FISA

President Trump and his admin distributing AIDs preventing medicine to hundreds of thousands of people - why do I feel like Democrats will still find something to bitch about?

Senate Panel Approves Trump Nominee Jeffrey Rosen as Deputy AG

Trump to Nominate Patrick Shanahan as Defense Secretary

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Yup.

One important takeaway from Google unpersoning us

Another nugget of gold from twitter:

Rosenstein's last day at DOJ is tomorrow. I got him a card. Who wants to sign it?

Got 'Em 👌

Friday, May 10th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

President Trump and The First Lady Participate in the Celebration of Military Mothers

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!

V.P. Mike Pence will be interviewed on @foxandfriends at 7:30 A.M. Enjoy!

Talks with China continue in a very congenial manner - there is absolutely no need to rush - as Tariffs are NOW being paid to the United States by China of 25% on 250 Billion Dollars worth of goods & products. These massive payments go directly to the Treasury of the U.S.... ... ....The process has begun to place additional Tariffs at 25% on the remaining 325 Billion Dollars. The U.S. only sells China approximately 100 Billion Dollars of goods & products, a very big imbalance. With the over 100 Billion Dollars in Tariffs that we take in, we will buy..... ... ....agricultural products from our Great Farmers, in larger amounts than China ever did, and ship it to poor & starving countries in the form of humanitarian assistance. In the meantime we will continue to negotiate with China in the hopes that they do not again try to redo deal!

Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our Country than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. Also, much easier & quicker to do. Our Farmers will do better, faster, and starving nations can now be helped. Waivers on some products will be granted, or go to new source!

Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch! In the meantime, China should not renegotiate deals with the U.S. at the last minute. This is not the Obama Administration, or the Administration of Sleepy Joe, who let China get away with “murder!”

The average 401(k) balance has SOARED since the bottom of the market - 466%. Wow!

....If we bought 15 Billion Dollars of Agriculture from our Farmers, far more than China buys now, we would have more than 85 Billion Dollars left over for new Infrastructure, Healthcare, or anything else. China would greatly slow down, and we would automatically speed up!

Build your products in the United States and there are NO TARIFFS!

Your all time favorite President got tired of waiting for China to help out and start buying from our FARMERS, the greatest anywhere in the World!

Great Consumer Price Index just out. Really good, very low inflation! We have a great chance to “really rock!” Good numbers all around.

Looks to me like it’s going to be SleepyCreepy Joe over Crazy Bernie. Everyone else is fading fast!

“We have been engaged in an unfair relationship with China for a long time. They have reneged on the commitments they made to the WTO, particularly around intellectual property.” Carly Fiorina @MariaBartiromo

Great Republican vote today on Disaster Relief Bill. We will now work out a bipartisan solution that gets relief for our great States and Farmers. Thank you to all. Get me a Bill that I can quickly sign!

Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries. The relationship between President Xi and myself remains a very strong one, and conversations.... ... ....into the future will continue. In the meantime, the United States has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations!

Military spouses share an admirable legacy of unwavering devotion to their loved ones in uniform and to the cause of freedom. On Military Spouse Day, we honor our Nation’s military spouses and express our deep appreciation for all that they do!

Build your products in the United States and there are NO TARIFFS!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

He did it..Name change

This is the funniest damn thing I’ve read today! The left is so triggered over this!

Giuliani will travel to Ukraine, saying country's probes may be 'very, very helpful' for Trump

Biden goes crazy. Backs health care for illegal immigrants, says 'we have an obligation' to provide it

JUDICIAL WATCH: New Records Reveal Obama White House Paranoid, Tracking FOIA Request For Hillary Clinton Emails

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

"SSSHHHH....just keep playing..."

HA

Babylon Bee with the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Lock. Him. Up.

Movie posters we really want to see..

Saturday, May 11th:

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It’s very simple!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

Another false #metoo, but this time it ends in death.

President Trump: It would be 'appropriate' for me to talk to DOJ about investigating Biden

Comey: It’s ‘Totally Normal’ To Plant People Near Political Campaigns

Red Sox fans hanged a "Trump 2020" banner over Fenway Park tonight

Trump’s ‘Uplifting’ Letter To Cancer Patient Meets With Hateful Response From Libtards On Twitter

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

It's Now A Neck and Neck Race

The Ultimate Red-Pilling

OVER TARGET! Dems and fake news are shitting themselves over Guliani going to the Ukraine. They're calling for investigation into Guliani, and ignoring the the Ukrainian investigation into Bidens. Even Fox cut off Guliani when he tried talking about Biden. Guliani connecting Steele with Ukraine now.

Just spit out my coffee from laughing so hard.

WEEEEW LAD!

Without further ado, some tunes to get you jamming through all this winning:

Feels

My Song

Promises

American Girl

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth

MAGA ON PATRIOTS!

submitted by /u/Ivaginaryfriend [link] [comments]

[robgrayofficial]

HAPPPPY SATURDAY DEPLORABLES!!I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far! This is u/Ivaginaryfriend and I'm here to deliver everything spicy & dank from the past week! If you happened to miss any past recaps you can catch those here!Sunday, May 5th:🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:I am pleased to inform all of those that believe in a strong, fair and sound Immigration Policy that Mark Morgan will be joining the Trump Administration as the head of our hard working men and women of ICE. Mark is a true believer and American Patriot. He will do a great job!The Kentucky Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough & tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch. Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby - not even close!For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods. These payments are partially responsible for our great economic results. The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday. 325 Billions Dollars.... ... ....of additional goods sent to us by China remain untaxed, but will be shortly, at a rate of 25%. The Tariffs paid to the USA have had little impact on product cost, mostly borne by China. The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate. No!After spending more than $35,000,000 over a two year period, interviewing 500 people, using 18 Trump Hating Angry Democrats & 49 FBI Agents - all culminating in a more than 400 page Report showing NO COLLUSION - why would the Democrats in Congress now need Robert Mueller....... ... ....to testify. Are they looking for a redo because they hated seeing the strong NO COLLUSION conclusion? There was no crime, except on the other side (incredibly not covered in the Report), and NO OBSTRUCTION. Bob Mueller should not testify. No redos for the Dems!“The Report sounded an awful lot as being Comeyesque, in other words, I’m not going to charge this person (there wasn’t even close to being a crime), but I’m going to criticize him on the way out the door. That’s unfortunate because it’s stepping outside of the role.” Robert Ray“This is not Congressional Oversight, this is bullying.” Jason Riley, The Wall Street JournalPending the confirmation of Mark Morgan as our Nation’s new ICE Director, Matt Albence will serve in the role of Acting Director. Matt is tough and dedicated and has my full support to deploy ICE to the maximum extent of the law! #MAGAOnce again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defense of its citizens.... ... ....To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace - it can happen!Despite the tremendous success that I have had as President, including perhaps the greatest ECONOMY and most successful first two years of any President in history, they have stolen two years of my (our) Presidency (Collusion Delusion) that we will never be able to get back..... ... .....The Witch Hunt is over but we will never forget. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:Urban Dictionary is a treasure troveWell that poll is backfiring. Let’s keep it up pedes!!YouTube bans Tommy Robinson for talking about Muslim gangs sexually exploiting white girls, but I can go to YouTube and watch Muslims rapping about sexually exploiting white girls, and it was played by the BBC.Just going to leave this handy chart here.🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Is it acceptable for the attorney general to say this?When Democrats Are In Power...Happy Cinco De Mayo Pedes!Trump for 2020Who would TRADE creepy non-human ZUCK for TOM? I hate reptilians.Monday, May 6th:TODAY'S ACTION:Three Nominations Sent to the SenatePresident Trump Welcomes Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic to the White HousePresident Trump Presents the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the U.S. Military Academy Football TeamPresident Trump Presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:“Democrat Texas Congressman Al Green says impeachment is the only thing that can prevent President Trump from re-election in 2020.” @OANN In other words, Dems can’t win the election fairly. You can’t impeach a president for creating the best economy in our country’s history..... ... Also, there are “No High Crimes & Misdemeanors,” No Collusion, No Conspiracy, No Obstruction. ALL THE CRIMES ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE, and that’s what the Dems should be looking at, but they won’t. Nevertheless, the tables are turning!The United States has been losing, for many years, 600 to 800 Billion Dollars a year on Trade. With China we lose 500 Billion Dollars. Sorry, we’re not going to be doing that anymore!Scott Walker is 100% correct when he says that the Republicans must WAKE UP to the Democrats State by State power grab. They play very dirty, actually, like never before. Don’t allow them to get away with what they are doing!Just spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan concerning North Korea and Trade. Very good conversation!Congratulations @ArmyWP_Football!Today, it was my true honor to present the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy—for the second year in a row, to the @ArmyWP_Football Black Knights. Congratulations once again on your historic victories, and keep on making us proud!SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:Finally, some support for POTUS!imagine if the parties were swappedPres. Trump Pardons Army Lt. Michael Behanna, Convicted Of Murdering Al-Qaeda DetaineeThis 👇🏻TRUMP: I WILL NEVER FORGIVE OBAMA FOR WHAT HE DID TO OUR MILITARY... AND MANY OTHER THINGS THAT I WILL TELL YOU ABOUT IN THE FUTURE 😁🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Is it just me, or are things getting crazier out there?Today on “They Asked, So I Answered”:He’s still standing on the graves of his classmates for his own self serving purposesFree Speech Cafe (No Conservatives Allowed)I was asleep in 2016; this time I'm signing up for the meme war.Tuesday, May 7th:TODAY'S ACTION:President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Personnel to Key Administration PostsFirst Lady Melania Trump's Be Best Anniversary CelebrationVice President Pence Delivers Remarks at the 49th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:Democrats in Congress must vote to close the terrible loopholes at the Southern Border. If not, harsh measures will have to be taken!(Retweeting The White House) On the one year anniversary of @FLOTUS' initiative, Be Best, take a look back at some of the highlights! #BeBestCongratulations @TigerWoods - you are truly one of a kind!'Forgotten Man' Story: Under Trump, Red Counties Economically Thrive http://bit.ly/2VKPFNq via @BreitbartNewsHe wants to impeach because they can’t win election. Sad!I am pleased to inform you that THE BIG FIREWORKS, after many years of not having any, are coming back to beautiful Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Great work @GovKristiNoem and @SecBernhardt! #MAGASIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:CNN Contributor: ‘When a Woman Is Pregnant, That Is Not a Human Being inside of Her’Steele's stunning pre-FISA confession: Informant needed to air Trump dirt before election 🤬Over 35.4k upvotes and climbing on r/all. Good job pedes!TWITTER Bans Account that Tracks and Reports on Epidemic of Violence Against Trump Supporters🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:This is seriousLooking forward to warmer weather. How about you?Some people just can’t comprehend thisCareful lads, he's high on truth.Wednesday, May 8th:TODAY'S ACTION:President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to a Key Administration PostProclamation on Addressing Mass Migration Through the Southern Border of the United StatesExecutive Order on Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of IranVice President Pence Visits Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in LouisianaPresident Trump Departs the White House in Marine One🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:McConnell Backs Trump: Mueller Report Is 'Case Closed' | Breitbart http://bit.ly/2VNaqIl via @BreitbartNewsThe reason for the China pullback & attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to “negotiate” with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats, and thereby continue to ripoff the United States (($500 Billion a year)) for years to come.... ... ...Guess what, that’s not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the U.S. to make a deal. We’ll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling U.S. coffers...great for U.S., not good for China!“The real “Obstruction of Justice” is what the Democrats are trying to do to this Attorney General.” Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). @MariaBartiromo“Shouldn’t 2015 and 2016 be revealed, how Intelligence Agencies, FBI, tried to sabotage a particular campaign - never been done before?” @SteveForbesCEO @MariaBartiromoBig Court win at our Southern Border! We are getting there - and Wall is being built!“Everyone wants to know who needs to be accountable, because it took up two years of our lives talking about this Russian involvement. It proved No Collusion, & people want to trace it back to see how this all happened?” @ainsleyearhardt @foxandfriends TREASONOUS HOAX!“This British Spy, Christopher Steele, tried so hard to get this (the Fake Dossier) out before the Election. Why?” @kilmeade @foxandfriends“CASE CLOSED!” @SenateMajLDRReal estate developers in the 1980’s & 1990’s, more than 30 years ago, were entitled to massive write offs and depreciation which would, if one was actively building, show losses and tax losses in almost all cases. Much was non monetary. Sometimes considered “tax shelter,” ...... ... ....you would get it by building, or even buying. You always wanted to show losses for tax purposes....almost all real estate developers did - and often re-negotiate with banks, it was sport. Additionally, the very old information put out is a highly inaccurate Fake News hit job!GREAT NEWS FOR OHIO! Just spoke to Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who informed me that, subject to a UAW agreement etc., GM will be selling their beautiful Lordstown Plant to Workhorse, where they plan to build Electric Trucks. GM will also be spending $700,000,000 in Ohio... ... ....in 3 separate locations, creating another 450 jobs. I have been working nicely with GM to get this done. Thank you to Mary B, your GREAT Governor, and Senator Rob Portman. With all the car companies coming back, and much more, THE USA IS BOOMING!Republicans shouldn’t vote for H.R. 312, a special interest casino Bill, backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren. It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally! 14,996 replies 18,369 retweets 69,053 likesOur Nation grieves at the unspeakable violence that took a precious young life and badly injured others in Colorado. God be with the families and thank you to the First Responders for bravely intervening. We are in close contact with Law Enforcement.Thank you @NewtGingrich & @FoxandFriends!Getting ready to leave for one of my favorite places, the Florida Panhandle, where we’ve given, and are giving, billions of $$$ for the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael. Even though the Dems are totally in our way (they don’t want money to go there) we’re getting it done!“The reality is, with the Tariffs, the economy has grown more rapidly in the United States and much more slowly in China.” Peter Morici, Former Chief Economist, USITCBig announcement today: Drug companies have to come clean about their prices in TV ads. Historic transparency for American patients is here. If drug companies are ashamed of those prices—lower them!Just landed in Panama City Beach, Florida for a rally beginning at 8:00 P.M. Eastern. Will be live on @FoxNews! #MAGA @tuckercarlson @seanhannityBig crowds in Panama City Beach, Florida. See everyone in 30 minutes! @FoxNews @TuckerCarlson @SeanHannityBeautiful evening in Panama City Beach, Florida. Thank you! #MAGAMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!After a great rally in Panama City Beach, Florida - I am returning to Washington, D.C. with @SenRickScott and Senator @MarcoRubio, discussing the terrible abuses by Maduro. America stands with the GREAT PEOPLE of Venezuela for however long it takes!SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:This young patriot bravely sacrificed his life to tackle a deranged school shooter yesterday. He stopped the gunfire, saving lives. Kendrick Castillo is a hero. You won’t see this on redacted because WE are the side that honors selflessnessBREAKING: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Warned UK PM Theresa May that if she allows Huawei Technologies into Britain's 5G, "U.S. will not share America’s national security secrets in a network we don’t have confidence in and is controlled by China"FBI opened obstruction case against Trump before Mueller was appointed, court files showTwo young men, who did what was right. No matter what it took.PRESS BRIEFINGS, INTERVIEWS, RALLIES:Watch Party: President Donald J. Trump MAGA Rally Panama City Beach, FL 5/8/19🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Word of the day: "Baizuo"BackfiredOMFG DED 😂😂😂😂💀💀💀💀YesLine for the Trump rally in Panama City Beach. Three and a half hours before the rally beginsThursday, May 9th:TODAY'S ACTION:Proclamation on Military Spouse Day, 2019President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Appoint Individual to a Key Administration PostPresident Trump Delivers Remarks on Ending Surprise Medical BillingPresident Trump Welcomes the 2018 World Series Champions The Boston Red Sox to the White HouseU.S. Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost Testifies About the Border Crisis🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:Great news today: My Administration just secured a historic donation of HIV prevention drugs from Gilead to help expand access to PrEP for the uninsured and those at risk. Will help us achieve our goal of ending the HIV epidemic in America!Today, it was my honor to welcome the 2018 World Series Champion Boston @RedSox to the @WhiteHouse!House Republicans should not vote for the BAD DEMOCRAT Disaster Supplemental Bill which hurts our States, Farmers & Border Security. Up for vote tomorrow. We want to do much better than this. All sides keep working and send a good BILL for immediate signing!(Retweeting VP Mike Pence) Great to be at R&J Johnson Farms in Glyndon, Minnesota today! Since the earliest days of our administration, @POTUS has promised to keep fighting for our farmers - & that’s exactly what we’ve done!(Retweeting The White House) President @realDonaldTrump hosted the 2018 World Series Champions, the Boston @RedSox, at the White House!James Comey is a disgrace to the FBI & will go down as the worst Director in its long and once proud history. He brought the FBI down, almost all Republicans & Democrats thought he should be FIRED, but the FBI will regain greatness because of the great men & women who work there!SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:BREAKING: Hillary Clinton’s campaign accepted large and illegal donation from the sex slave cult NXIVMTHE HILL: FBI's Steele story (completely) falls apart: False intel and media contacts were flagged before FISAPresident Trump and his admin distributing AIDs preventing medicine to hundreds of thousands of people - why do I feel like Democrats will still find something to bitch about?Senate Panel Approves Trump Nominee Jeffrey Rosen as Deputy AGTrump to Nominate Patrick Shanahan as Defense Secretary🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Yup.One important takeaway from Google unpersoning usAnother nugget of gold from twitter:Rosenstein's last day at DOJ is tomorrow. I got him a card. Who wants to sign it?Got 'Em 👌Friday, May 10th:TODAY'S ACTION:President Trump and The First Lady Participate in the Celebration of Military Mothers🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!V.P. Mike Pence will be interviewed on @foxandfriends at 7:30 A.M. Enjoy!Talks with China continue in a very congenial manner - there is absolutely no need to rush - as Tariffs are NOW being paid to the United States by China of 25% on 250 Billion Dollars worth of goods & products. These massive payments go directly to the Treasury of the U.S.... ... ....The process has begun to place additional Tariffs at 25% on the remaining 325 Billion Dollars. The U.S. only sells China approximately 100 Billion Dollars of goods & products, a very big imbalance. With the over 100 Billion Dollars in Tariffs that we take in, we will buy..... ... ....agricultural products from our Great Farmers, in larger amounts than China ever did, and ship it to poor & starving countries in the form of humanitarian assistance. In the meantime we will continue to negotiate with China in the hopes that they do not again try to redo deal!Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our Country than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. Also, much easier & quicker to do. Our Farmers will do better, faster, and starving nations can now be helped. Waivers on some products will be granted, or go to new source!Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch! In the meantime, China should not renegotiate deals with the U.S. at the last minute. This is not the Obama Administration, or the Administration of Sleepy Joe, who let China get away with “murder!”The average 401(k) balance has SOARED since the bottom of the market - 466%. Wow!....If we bought 15 Billion Dollars of Agriculture from our Farmers, far more than China buys now, we would have more than 85 Billion Dollars left over for new Infrastructure, Healthcare, or anything else. China would greatly slow down, and we would automatically speed up!Build your products in the United States and there are NO TARIFFS!Your all time favorite President got tired of waiting for China to help out and start buying from our FARMERS, the greatest anywhere in the World!Great Consumer Price Index just out. Really good, very low inflation! We have a great chance to “really rock!” Good numbers all around.Looks to me like it’s going to be SleepyCreepy Joe over Crazy Bernie. Everyone else is fading fast!“We have been engaged in an unfair relationship with China for a long time. They have reneged on the commitments they made to the WTO, particularly around intellectual property.” Carly Fiorina @MariaBartiromoGreat Republican vote today on Disaster Relief Bill. We will now work out a bipartisan solution that gets relief for our great States and Farmers. Thank you to all. Get me a Bill that I can quickly sign!Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries. The relationship between President Xi and myself remains a very strong one, and conversations.... ... ....into the future will continue. In the meantime, the United States has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations!Military spouses share an admirable legacy of unwavering devotion to their loved ones in uniform and to the cause of freedom. On Military Spouse Day, we honor our Nation’s military spouses and express our deep appreciation for all that they do!Build your products in the United States and there are NO TARIFFS!SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:He did it..Name changeThis is the funniest damn thing I’ve read today! The left is so triggered over this!Giuliani will travel to Ukraine, saying country's probes may be 'very, very helpful' for TrumpBiden goes crazy. Backs health care for illegal immigrants, says 'we have an obligation' to provide itJUDICIAL WATCH: New Records Reveal Obama White House Paranoid, Tracking FOIA Request For Hillary Clinton Emails🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:"SSSHHHH....just keep playing..."HABabylon Bee with the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️Lock. Him. Up.Movie posters we really want to see..Saturday, May 11th:🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It’s very simple!SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:Another false #metoo, but this time it ends in death.President Trump: It would be 'appropriate' for me to talk to DOJ about investigating BidenComey: It’s ‘Totally Normal’ To Plant People Near Political CampaignsRed Sox fans hanged a "Trump 2020" banner over Fenway Park tonightTrump’s ‘Uplifting’ Letter To Cancer Patient Meets With Hateful Response From Libtards On Twitter🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:It's Now A Neck and Neck RaceThe Ultimate Red-PillingOVER TARGET! Dems and fake news are shitting themselves over Guliani going to the Ukraine. They're calling for investigation into Guliani, and ignoring the the Ukrainian investigation into Bidens. Even Fox cut off Guliani when he tried talking about Biden. Guliani connecting Steele with Ukraine now.Just spit out my coffee from laughing so hard.WEEEEW LAD!Without further ado, some tunes to get you jamming through all this winning:FeelsMy SongPromisesAmerican GirlYou Took the Words Right Out of My MouthMAGA ON PATRIOTS! #robgray

[alarajrogers]

The thing is, as with many such things, this is a false dilemma.

"Should Israel be able to murder 30,000 innocent people, many of them children, to make sure the threat of Hamas is destroyed forever?" That's a very difficult question to answer given Hamas' stated determination to kill all Jews, but fortunately (or unfortunately) it is not the question in front of us, because killing 30,000 people has never destroyed a terrorist movement ever.

What Israel is doing is fueling Hamas. Converting survivors, and refugees, and sympathetic people from other countries, into Hamas supporters or members. You cannot kill an idea by bombing it.

Likewise, terrorism doesn't work; you can't get the Israelis to leave Israel by lobbing missiles at them. Hamas is not actually doing something that will legitimately bring about peace for Palestinians; they are pouring gasoline on a fire. As is Netanyahu. The only conclusions I can draw is that either the parties involved are very, very stupid... or, that their actual goals aren't what they say they are, but are much more self-serving. Netanyahu wants to kill Palestinians because he's a right wing war hawk who thinks war actually works, who has a punitive, angry, revenge-oriented mindset, and because making the world hate Israel and Jews is actually good for him politically. Worldwide rise in antisemitism reminds Jews why Israel is a good idea for Jews and reminds Israelis that everyone wants to kill them, which causes all humans to circle the wagons and drop differences amongst themselves to fight the outside threat. People very opposed to Netanyahu's policies may find themselves feeling like they can't criticize him right now, because he's fighting a war against the people who want to destroy Israel. Meanwhile Hamas has no actual interest in the safety or health of the Palestinian people; they'd be happy to see all Palestine razed to the ground if it meant that all the Israelis got killed too and then the Palestinian refugees and expats could come back.

As it happens, murdering 30,000 people, most of whom were innocent, is not going to destroy Hamas, is going to make life much worse for Jews, is destroying any world respect for Israel as a nation and dramatically increasing the number of people who support Hamas, and is also morally horrible. If it had any hope at all of actually destroying Hamas, that might be a really difficult moral dilemma! But it doesn't. It's very, very bad for Palestinians, but good for Hamas. Their numbers will go up as a result of this. And a lot of their leadership probably fled the country right before the attack on Oct 7 because they knew they'd be provoking Israel into violent military response. So it's not only morally horrible, it's stupid as fuck, if you assume the goal is to destroy Hamas and not to make sure Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power and gets everything he wants out of his fellow politicians in Israel.

I am personally very much in favor of the existence of Israel, because it is very clear the Jews need a place where they are safe from being murdered by their next door neighbors. I am also in favor of a two state solution, because Palestinians deserve self determination and control over their own lands as well, and Israel needs to stop fucking expanding and taking over land that was already granted to Palestine. I think that what Israel is doing to Palestine is horrendous, that the provocation was awful but no justification for this -- largely because nothing could ever be a justification for this, and that is both true for moral reasons and because it actually will not work and is doing the opposite of what it purports to do. And I think that, having been an adult during the second Iraq War and having seen what my country did to innocent people who had nothing to do with how we were attacked, I have the authority to say, Israel is wrong here and that has nothing to do with them being Jewish. They are wrong for the reason the US was wrong to invade Iraq (which I knew at the time, and I knew the Bush administration was lying about weapons of mass destruction, and couldn't understand why this wasn't obvious to everyone.) Mass murdering innocent people does not stop terrorists. It just makes the world hate you and increases terrorist support. I saw this happen 20 years ago when it was a majority Christian country that got a lot of support and sympathy when it was attacked and pissed it all away by bombing an unrelated country. The only real difference now is that actually what Israel is doing has had a vastly higher civilian death toll than what the US did, and what the US did was reprehensible enough.

I'm begging the pro-Palestine movement to inject even the slightest bit of nuance into their rhetoric. I'm basically pro-Zionist at this point, but even I believe you SHOULD be pro-Palestine to an extent.

Here are some things to consider.

Israel has a right to exist. They didn't steal the land. You can say Britain did, but it doesn't matter. It's their land now and they have a right to live there, just as Canadians have a right to live in Canada despite the history of the indigenous people. Apply this to basically any other nation.

The October 7th attack happened. It was bad. It was an act of terrorism. They killed innocent civilians on purpose. The civilians didn't deserve to die for living in Israel. You condemn the attacks.

Hamas is a valid military target. They are a terrorist organization who are constantly attacking Israel. They're not freedom fighters. They may use the plight of Palestinians as an excuse, but they cannot be taken in good faith. You condemn Hamas.

Israelis are not Nazis. There are far right people in Israel as there are anywhere. Right now Israel's right wing is exaggerated due the attacks they've experienced. People's rhetoric can get extreme when such a thing happens. It's certainly something you should be concerned about, but comparing them to Nazis is not useful at all.

Generally speaking, Israel has a good track record of taking a lot of care to avoid civilian deaths. They have a strong history of calling areas by phone to warn civilians. They will then drop a knock bomb onto the roof to scare people out before dropping the actual bomb. They do not have a policy of killing Palestinian civilians.

The reason why Israel has the reputation they do for killing civilians is threefold. 1) Palestine is densely populated which creates huge complications in war. 2) Individual IDF soldiers or groups sometimes commit attrocities, on purpose or by accident. 3) Hamas has one of the most devious PR strategies the world has ever seen.

Hamas uses human shields. And I'm tempted to say they use them more effectively than anyone has in the history of the world. They operate in or under civilian infrastructure... seemingly exclusively. They make damn sure that, if you want to bomb them, you are taking civilians with them.

Combine that with the fact there's basically no way to identify a member of Hamas from a civilian and Hamas can generate an insane civilian death toll. Why? Because they can sell it to us. The western liberal is horrified by civilian deaths. Especially if the skin color of the victims is darker than the people doing the killing. It's the perfect plot for a terrorist group to pretend they have noble intentions of freedom fighting and whatnot.

So is being pro-Palestine just utterly foolish? Absolutely not. Palestinians are in an utterly horrible position in this world and you'd be absolutely insane not to care about that. They absolutely should have their own nation with their own government. They should have the opportunity to live in peace. They should have the opportunity to live in freedom. It's almost self-evident.

Of course Israel is too expansionist. The settlements are a disgrace. The IDF's reputation is not totally unearned and neither is their government's reputation. There is the stench of far right rot in both their military and their government. Netanyahu is absolutely a religious zealot.

All I'm saying is you can't look at this as a totally one-sided thing. Most of the people posting pro-Palestine stuff are being misleading at best and spreading flat out lies more often than not. This is not a valid strategy to enact change. And, frankly, you deserve better for yourself.

You do not need to lie about Israel to be pro-Palestine.

[cfijerusalem]

WATCHING OVER ZION, 01 MARCH UPDATE

THE WORD

Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Selah.  …So pursue them with Your tempest, and frighten them with Your storm. Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O Lord… That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. (Psalm 83:1-8, 15, 16&18 NKJV)

POINTERS FOR PRAYER

By the time you read this report, the Festival of Purim is being celebrated throughout Israel and in Jewish Communities throughout the world (Purim 2018 began in the evening of Wednesday, 28 February and ends in the evening of Thursday, 1 March). The festival commemorates a major victory over oppression, recounting the story of Esther.  Over this festive and joyous time may we rejoice in our King of Kings that He has preserved and blessed the nation of Israel.  May this be a time of breakthroughs when we see curses turned to blessings.

Ask God to deliver many Arab Palestinians from a spirit of deep-seated hatred for the Jewish people. God can reach into hearts where we cannot and He can perform miracles where no one else can go.

May we continue to approach the Throne of Grace in prayer for victory over the plans of any people, state or group with plans to wipe Israel off the map.  Please ask the Lord for wisdom on how to pray for the difficult situations that Israel faces today. Pray that He may fill each prayer warrior anew with the Spirit of God and discernment for every situation that demands Biblical prayers in line with God’s Word. Do pray through Psalm 83, and ask to be led by the Holy Spirit.

PRAYING FOR OUR ENEMY

Have you ever thought of how radical Yeshua (Jesus) must have been? Yes, he fully obeyed the Torah; He lived out the commandments; was recognised as a Rabbi and dressed in obedience to the Scriptures – meaning He would have worn the required tassels on his garments (tsitsiyot – the specially knotted ritual fringes/tassels worn in Biblical times and today by observant Jews); and indeed, He was fully Jewish. But He also taught His followers, as recorded in the gospel of Matthew 5:44, to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  In our calling to Israel, how do we do that?

[Above picture created by D Soakell]

In a book that I am very slowly writing, I describe some of the work I’ve been involved with in Israel over the past 23 years. Having watched rockets being fired over my head from Hamas in Gaza; almost losing my life in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem, and caring for the Jewish victims of terror attacks, I often need to be very careful to keep my flesh in check. The reason being is that one night I had a strange dream.  In this strange dream I found myself standing in the middle of a group of ultra-orthodox Muslim women.  They were all fully covered, dressed in black with the full hijab or burqa on, so that only their eyes were visible.  Then the Lord asked me to approach the first woman and remove her veil.  I told the Lord that I couldn’t do this, but He said, “Yes you can”.  And so, I approached the first woman and in a rather ‘cautious manner’, lifted up her veil.  On doing so, I was stunned at the beauty of her face. The Lord then instructed me to go to the second woman, then the third and so on, and each time I removed their veils each became more beautiful.  Then the Lord spoke and asked me, “Do you understand what I am showing you?”  I replied, “No, I don’t”.  Then the Lord said to me, “The ugliness isn’t what hides behind the veil, the ugliness is your heart.”  You see, I had seen much hatred from the Hamas terrorists when firing rockets into Israel.  I had shown compassion to the victims of these terrorist attacks when entering Jewish homes and ministering to them.  And I had survived a Hamas terrorist attack in Jerusalem back in 2002.  However, what I didn’t realise, was that I had allowed what I’d witnessed to allow the seed of bitterness to grow in my heart towards all Muslims.  These acts by the Islamic terrorist groups had affected my heart, and God was revealing this so I could repent, and repent I did. You see, no matter how evil the acts that these Islamic terrorists are – and let’s be frank – these terrorist actions are wholly abhorrent; and no matter how much insults or biased untruths the people who support Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel declare; if I allow hatred of the Muslims or indeed any people group to rise up in my heart – then I’m not acting in the way the Lord God would want me to act.  A tough ask?

But why have I brought this issue up here?  Well, by the time you read this report, the Festival of Purim is being celebrated. The festival commemorates a major victory over oppression, recounting the story of Esther. But how do we celebrate this historical event in the light of the words of Yeshua in Matthew 5?  Well, I said it was a tough ask – especially when one thinks of Hamas or Hezbollah… or indeed those who have gone before such as the ancient Amalekites.

Amalek was an ancient Middle Eastern people/tribe that had an inborn hatred towards Israel. According to Genesis 36, the Amalekites were somehow related to, but distinct from, the Edomites.  The Amalekites’ unrelenting brutality toward the Israelis began with an attack at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8–13). This is recounted in Deuteronomy 25:17–19 with this admonition: “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind [typically women and children]: they had no fear of God. When the LORD your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!”  The Amalekites later joined with the Canaanites and attacked the Israelis at Hormah (Numbers 14:45). In Judges they joined the Moabites (Judges 3:13) and the Midianites (Judges 6:3) to wage war on the Israelis. They were responsible for the repeated destruction of Israel’s land and food supply.

In 1 Samuel 15:2–3, God tells King Saul to totally destroy everything that belongs to the Amalekites but he didn’t complete the task. He allowed the Amalekite King, Agag, to live, and took plunder for himself. Saul’s rebellion against God and His commands is so serious that he is rejected by God as king (1 Samuel 15:23).  Amazingly, the last mention of the Amalekites is found… guess where… in the book of Esther where Haman the Agagite, a descendant of the Amalekite king Agag, connives to have all the Jews in Persia annihilated by order of King Xerxes. God saved the Jews in Persia (modern day Iran) however, and Haman, his sons, and the rest of Israel’s enemies were destroyed instead (Esther 9:5–10) – and this is what is celebrated during the Festival of Purim.

But let’s bring this right up to 2018. Think about this: The Amalekites took any opportunity to attack Israel for absolutely no reason. There appeared to be no land dispute or provocation that caused this hatred - it was an intrinsic pathological need to destroy God's people. Such hatred cannot be combatted through diplomacy or peace talks. There was no option to re-educate the Amalekites or review their school curricula. Their hatred was not only taught - it was ingrained. As long as the spirit of the Amalekite walked the earth, no Israeli was safe. In time, the Amalekite nation assimilated into the people around them. Their inborn hatred might not be seen today as a nation, but they are still very much alive.  Could therefore the Psalm that begins this report (Psalm 83) be even more relevant today than when it was written?  When we think of how the Palestinian Authority teaches its children hatred of the Jew (see a few examples here: https://www.palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=339) what is our response, and how can we expose these issues that need exposing, without allowing the same hatred to rise up within us?  Indeed it is a tough call, it’s a tough ask…but one we must endure as we press on in our intercession.  

NEWS FROM NORTHERN ISRAEL-SYRIAN BORDER

As I reported in the last Watching over Zion, the war in Syria has become more than just a battle between those for or against Syria’s leader, Bashar al-Assad. A key factor has been the intervention of regional and world powers, including Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Their military, financial and political support for the government and opposition has contributed directly to the intensification and continuation of the fighting, and turned Syria into a proxy battleground.  However, could things be about to get much worse?  Various reports this week have stated that Iran is now building a new military base eight miles northwest of Damascus.  Satellite images from an Israeli firm called ‘ImageSat International’ show what is believed to be a new base with warehouses – each roughly 18m x 27m – which could store short and medium-range missiles. Western intelligence officials say that the base contains hangars used to stockpile missiles “capable of hitting all of Israel”. According to one report from US news network Fox News, members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s special operations Quds Force are operating the base. The new base is similar to one established by the Iranians near the town of al-Kiswah, 15km southwest Damascus, which was reportedly hit by Israeli airstrikes in December 2017.  Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in February 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told European diplomats and leaders that Israel “will act if necessary not just against Iran’s proxies but against Iran itself,” holding up a piece of an Iranian drone Israel shot down after it infiltrated Israel’s territory two weeks ago.

In related news, and thinking about this time of the year, Jews in Israel this week are celebrating the holiday of Purim. The centrepiece of the holiday is the biblical Book of Esther, a story about an ancient Persian king whose evil viceroy, Haman, hatches a plot to kill the Jews of the kingdom. At the last minute, Queen Esther comes to the rescue, thwarts the evildoer’s plan and the Jews are saved.  For most Israeli Jews, the holiday is a good excuse to dress in costume and party. But for some in Israel — and in Iran — this story from the Bible is very much alive.  In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iranian government are gearing up for its first ever “International Hourglass Festival”, celebrating what organizers call the “imminent collapse” of the Jewish state.

The symbol chosen to represent the event features an hourglass with a Star of David disintegrating above the words “25 Years” – an apparent reference to the predictions made by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2016 and reiterated by Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi in 2017.  According to the Israel National News, festival organizer and aide to the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the event is intended as a celebration of the imminent collapse of the “Zionist regime of Israel”.  Organizers announced at a press conference last Tuesday that the festival would be held in Tehran in April.  For more on this story click here.

CAN LOBBY DAY THAW THE MPS MINDSET?

Meanwhile thousands of miles away from Israel, heavy snow has hit the UK causing major disruption to roads, railways and air travel.  British Police warned drivers to avoid the roads as emergency services dealt with crashes and stranded motorists.  Hundreds of schools have been closed after overnight temperatures dropped to almost -12C (11F) in some areas.  Amber warnings - meaning potential risk to life and property - are in place, covering northern and eastern England, and the East Midlands. In Scotland, the weather warnings have just been upgraded to red - meaning extreme weather is expected.  As we awoke to yet more heavy snow, our thoughts turned to those supporters travelling to London and Parliament for the ZF/CFI Lobby Day.  Normally, I too would have travelled to Westminster for this event, but decided I needed to remain at the northern office.

Lobby Day is an important and strategic day in the calendar, and we hope and pray that many supporters have turned up for this event.  Jacob Vince, CFI CEO will be jointly chairing the Briefing morning at the Emmanuel Centre, with Paul Charney of the Zionist Federation. We had heard that there would be around 200 joint supporters from CFI and the Zionist Federation. The theme for this year is ‘70 achievements in 70 years’.  The people attending will have listened to MP’s speaking on this issue of Israel and our prayers have been that they would have meaningful and insightful sessions when lobbying MP’s.  However, one of the major problems I have found in past years is that even those who support Israel believe in a ‘Two-State Solution’.  But how would they feel if they actually lived in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Netanya?  As Barry Shaw explains in this next article, maybe they should travel to this region and see for themselves.

 PICTURES FROM PALESTINE

[Above photos taken by Barry Shaw of Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv from an Arab village that would become a part of this 'Palestine' if the UN and EU get their way. Photos posted here with permission.]

Well, the UK might still be in the grips of winter as thick snow covers the ground, but in Israel, spring is blooming and the air is certainly warming up.  However, there still lies over the land of Israel a dark black cloud that could still seriously threaten the nation.  Apart from the story above with Iran and Syria, Hezbollah are a huge threat in the north and Hamas a constant worry in the Gaza region.  However, another huge problem lies within the heartland of Israel – in what the Bible describes as The Mountains of Israel (see Ezekiel 36).

This week, Barry Shaw, Senior Associate for Public Diplomacy and Israel Institute for Strategic Studies wrote, “Anyone who favours a Two-State Solution based on '67 lines should come visit the low-lying coastal belt in Israel.  I met with a Swedish film crew this week. They were shocked to see how open and defenceless we would be if forced to surrender the heights overlooking towns like Netanya and Tel Aviv to a Palestinian state.”

In his report, Barry displayed the above photographs he had taken of Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv from an Arab village that would become a part of this 'Palestine' if the UN and EU get their way.  Barry Shaw states, “They now appreciate the vulnerability of our vital infrastructure that lie under the threatening shadow of a future Palestinian state. Should a hand-held Palestinian rocket launcher bring down a plane coming in to land, or sitting on the ground, at Ben Gurion Airport, who will fly into Israel tomorrow?  I ask you to share this message and these photos with everyone you know until the reality sinks in with the delusional peacemakers.”

SHOULD WE DEFEND THE BIBLE?

[Above photo taken and created by D Soakell]

With the US moving their Embassy to Jerusalem ahead of schedule, we await the outcry from those opposed to this decision.  However, regarding Israel and Jerusalem, the Bible has much to say on this subject.  Jerusalem (or Zion) is a major theme in the Bible. It is first referred to as “the place which the LORD your God chooses” (20 times) until the designation changes to “Jerusalem”, which itself occurs 811 times plus 161 times as Zion, a total of 972 times.  It is abundantly clear that God chose Jerusalem.  “... Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of ISRAEL to put His name there.” (I Kings 14:21).  “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.’” (Zechariah 1:17).

So should we defend what the Bible states? Charles Spurgeon once stated, “Defend the Bible? I would rather defend a lion. Unchain it and it will defend itself!”   So what of those who oppose the Bible and the promises of God over Jerusalem and Israel?

AND FINALLY... POWERFUL WORDS FROM THE LATE BILLY GRAHAM

[Above photo created by D Soakell]

David Soakell CFI WoZ News Report Correspondent Tweet me @David_Soakell