If you happened to be near a TV or radio on Monday night, you may have heard President Trump's speech on prosecuting a war in Afghanistan.
If you haven't been living under a rock, you also may be familiar with Trump's rhetoric leading up to his election on the subject.
One may even be confused as to what Trump said several years ago versus what he said on Monday night.
Allow me to clarify.
Trump stated previously that American troops should come home immediately, but he also seemed to hedge a bit when he stated that " If we have to go back in, we go in hard & quick." This strategic hedging seemed tailored for a presidential candidacy if you ask me. Seemingly running on one thing, then leaving open the opportunity to do another once elected.
After an announcement on Monday that 4,000 more troops could be sent in, not with the goal of nation building, but with a focus on counterterrorism. Trump continued on Monday, "My original instinct was to pull out, and, historically, I like following my instincts," Trump said in a televised address Monday. "But all of my life I heard that decisions are much different when you sit behind the desk in the Oval Office."
Mysteriously absent from Trump's speech was any mention of China's stakes in any of this, namely their struggles with terrorism and China's One Belt One Road initiative.
(Speaking of "stakes," one must realize China's much more immediate security concerns as it lies on the Eurasian landmass. The US is thousands of miles away. That being said, any mention of 9/11 seems to ring hollow in my ears as the CIA seemingly was involved in both getting the terrorists into the country with visas, as well as rigging explosives on 9/11. Also, the number of organic "terrorist attacks" in the country since then could probably be counted on one hand, false flags not included. Bringing up 9/11 reminds me of telling fables to children, like the Tooth Fairy placing money under your pillow in exchange for teeth. It's downright infantile and insulting.)
Bringing 4,000 troops back into Afghanistan seems rather silly given that 100,000 could not defeat the Taliban. What's the purpose here?
Trump talks about the reach of American arms and might.
What is Trump then proposing here?
A battle of attrition with the Taliban, in order to bring them back to the negotiating table?
Shooting our way back to the negotiation table?
I'm at a bit of a loss here on this one, but I guess we can't really say that Trump lied to get elected.
He successfully hedged.
Miniskirts?
Come on.
Why do the generals feel the need to prove something?
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Stretch.
Pretty brutal.
Stretch the imagination.
Front and center.
Room to make something happen.
Molars and incisors.
Gristle and bone.
Last of my nine lives.
Nerve.
Goodness, gracious.
Lord, have mercy.
Bullets over Broadway.
Duck and cover.
Stretch the imagination.
Front and center.
Room to make something happen.
Molars and incisors.
Gristle and bone.
Last of my nine lives.
Nerve.
Goodness, gracious.
Lord, have mercy.
Bullets over Broadway.
Duck and cover.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Questions and Answers.
By looking at some apocryphal texts, one may extract some answers to some specific questions.
The first is "what happens after death?"
The wicked and unsaved?
78 “Now a word about death: When the final sentence goes forth from the Most High that a person should die, when the spirit recedes from the body so that it may be sent again to him who gave it, the first thing is to stand in awe before the glory of the Most High. 79 If the spirit belonged to one of those who showed contempt and didn’t keep the Most High’s way, if it was one of those who despised his Law and who hates those who fear God, 80 these spirits don’t go into their dwellings but will immediately wander about in torments. They will constantly grieve and be sorrowful for seven reasons:[a]
The first is "what happens after death?"
The wicked and unsaved?
78 “Now a word about death: When the final sentence goes forth from the Most High that a person should die, when the spirit recedes from the body so that it may be sent again to him who gave it, the first thing is to stand in awe before the glory of the Most High. 79 If the spirit belonged to one of those who showed contempt and didn’t keep the Most High’s way, if it was one of those who despised his Law and who hates those who fear God, 80 these spirits don’t go into their dwellings but will immediately wander about in torments. They will constantly grieve and be sorrowful for seven reasons:[a]
81 The first reason—because they despised the Law of the Most High.
82 The second reason—because they can’t now effectively change their hearts and lives so that they might live.
83 The third reason—because they will see the reward laid up for those who have believed the Most High’s testimonies.
84 The fourth reason—because they will consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.
85 The fifth reason—because they will see the dwelling places of others, guarded by angels in great silence.
86 The sixth reason—because they see the torment coming upon them from now on.[b]
87 The seventh reason, which is greater than all the previously mentioned reasons—because they will melt away in confusion and be consumed in disgrace.[c]
82 The second reason—because they can’t now effectively change their hearts and lives so that they might live.
83 The third reason—because they will see the reward laid up for those who have believed the Most High’s testimonies.
84 The fourth reason—because they will consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.
85 The fifth reason—because they will see the dwelling places of others, guarded by angels in great silence.
86 The sixth reason—because they see the torment coming upon them from now on.[b]
87 The seventh reason, which is greater than all the previously mentioned reasons—because they will melt away in confusion and be consumed in disgrace.[c]
“They will wither in fear when they see the glory of the Most High, before whom they sinned when they were alive and before whom they are to be judged in the last times."
What about the righteous?
88 “The arrangement for those who kept God’s ways is this when they begin to be separated from the corruptible body.[d] 89 In the time of their exile here they labored hard to serve the Most High. Every hour they endured danger so that they might keep the Law of the lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore, this is the word about them: 91 First, they will see with great joy the glory of him who receives them. They will have rest on account of seven orders:
92 The first order—because they have struggled hard to overcome the evil thought fashioned within them so that it wouldn’t lead them astray from life to death.
93 The second order—because they see the panic in which the souls of the wicked wander and the punishment that awaits them.
94 The third order—seeing the testimony that their maker has testified on their behalf, because when they were alive, they kept the Law that was given through faith.
95 The fourth order—understanding the peaceful rest that they now enjoy, gathered in their resting chambers, guarded by angels in deep silence, and understanding the glory that awaits them in their last days.
96 The fifth order—rejoicing at how they have now escaped the corruptible and how they will have a future inheritance; moreover, seeing the narrow space, full of labor, from which they have been freed, and the spacious place they are about to receive and enjoy, now that they are immortal.
97 The sixth order—when they are shown how their face begins to shine like the sun and how they begin to be like the stars, as beings of incorruptible light.
98 The seventh order, which is greater than all those mentioned—because they will rejoice with confidence and will trust without being disappointed and will rejoice without fear; for they hasten to see the face of him whom they served when they were alive and from whom they are about to receive a reward now that they are glorified.
93 The second order—because they see the panic in which the souls of the wicked wander and the punishment that awaits them.
94 The third order—seeing the testimony that their maker has testified on their behalf, because when they were alive, they kept the Law that was given through faith.
95 The fourth order—understanding the peaceful rest that they now enjoy, gathered in their resting chambers, guarded by angels in deep silence, and understanding the glory that awaits them in their last days.
96 The fifth order—rejoicing at how they have now escaped the corruptible and how they will have a future inheritance; moreover, seeing the narrow space, full of labor, from which they have been freed, and the spacious place they are about to receive and enjoy, now that they are immortal.
97 The sixth order—when they are shown how their face begins to shine like the sun and how they begin to be like the stars, as beings of incorruptible light.
98 The seventh order, which is greater than all those mentioned—because they will rejoice with confidence and will trust without being disappointed and will rejoice without fear; for they hasten to see the face of him whom they served when they were alive and from whom they are about to receive a reward now that they are glorified.
The dead are given 7 days?
Kind of like that movie "Ghost" with Patrick Swayze.
The righteous get to watch the dread of the damned.
The damned get to see the habitations of the saved.
100 I answered: “Will time, therefore, be given to souls after they are separated from the bodies to see what you told me?”
101 He said to me: “They will be free for seven days so that they may see in those seven days the things[e] that have been foretold. After this, they will be gathered in their dwelling places.”
Furthermore,
102 I answered: “If you look on me with favor, show your servant further whether on the Judgment Day the just will be able to seek mercy for the wicked or intercede for them with the Most High. 103 Will parents be allowed to intercede[f] for children, children for parents, siblings for each other, relatives for those close to them, faithful ones for those most dear to them?”
104 He replied to me: “Because I do indeed favor you, I will also show you this. The Judgment Day is decisive.[g] It reveals the seal of truth to all. Even in the here and now a parent doesn’t send a child, or a child the parent, or a master his servant, or a faithful friend a dear confidant, so that the one should understand or sleep or eat or be taken care of in the other person’s place. 105 Just so, no one will ever intercede for another; everyone will then bear his or her own deeds of justice or injustice.”
What happens on the Day of the Lord, or beginning with the Rapture?
Daniel 12:2 tells us.
"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
After sleeping, "guarded by angels in great silence," the righteous head up to Heaven from what is more commonly referred to as "Abraham's Bosom." In the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Abraham's Bosom is said to be geographically located directly across from Hell, inside the depths of the Earth.
The damned?
The damned awake to Hell.
"Well, what about 2 Corinthians 5:8?"
Makes a bit more sense now.
"Can you tell us a bit more about the millennial?"
Sure.
It should be understood in light of Revelation 20 and 21.
Christ returns, and the lake of fire is also revealed.
400 years into the millennial, something also happens.
Christ, along with the rest of the world, will die.
7 days later, the earth gives back those who sleep, and the corrupt world dies.
There is then judgment for these.
26 “Look! The time is coming when the signs appear that I told you about in advance, and the city will appear, appearing as a bride, and the land that is now hidden will be openly displayed. 27 Everyone who is rescued from the evils foretold will see my wonders. 28 My Son the anointed one[a] will be revealed along with those who are with him, and those who remain will rejoice for four hundred years.
29 “After these years, my Son the anointed one and all who have human breath will die. 30 The world will be turned back to primeval silence for seven days, as in the earliest beginnings so that no one is left alive. 31 After seven days, the world that isn’t yet awake will be roused, and the corrupt world will die. 32 The earth will give back those who sleep, and the dust will give back in silence those who dwell in it, and the resting places will give back the souls that have been entrusted to them. 33 The Most High will be revealed on the throne of judgment, and mercy will pass away. Patience will be withdrawn, 34 and only judgment will remain. Truth will arise, faith will recover strength, 35 and works will have their consequences. Reward will come about, righteous deeds will awake, and unrighteous deeds won’t sleep."
Questions?
Answers.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Mutual Defense.
Donald Trump's recent trip to Europe to meet with European leaders on the future of NATO brought up some very important questions. Like "What does the world's future look like?" It was made clear several years ago that the Ukraine would have no part of NATO, even after submitting to a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP).
What are the requirements of the MAP?
There are 5 points.
"1) A willingness to settle international, ethnic, or external territorial disputes by peaceful means, commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and democratic control of the armed forces.
2) An ability to contribute to the organization's defense and missions.
3) Devotion of sufficient resources to armed forces to be able to meet the commitments of membership.
4) Security of sensitive information, and safeguards ensuring it.
5) Compatibility of domestic legislation with NATO cooperation."
This process began under Leonid Kuchma after the Ukraine first applied in 1998. For some odd reason, they decided to back out under elected president Viktor Yanukovych and his election in 2010. This, fortuitously enough for Russia, leaves the Ukraine ripe for the picking. Article 5 cannot be invoked for a non-member nation. Am I questioning Yanukovych's intentions here? Quite possibly.
One would think that with all this talk of "collusion with Russia" that we might be able to reap tangible benefits from actually colluding with Russia on the world stage. NATO membership here would guarantee a nation's safety from Russian overtures/force, but precious little else.
Moving forward, our attention should take a decisive shift toward China and the Indian/Pacific. They are the longer-term headache.
(Who seems to be in Russia's crosshairs, by the way?
- The Ukraine
-Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan)
NATO's article 5 has been invoked only once, and that was after the 9/11 attacks.
So realistically, moving forward, a NATO equivalent of the Indian/Pacific seems to be what we really need, as well as "incidents at sea" agreements. What are these? These nifty arrangements are meant to keep any conflict from becoming a conflagration on a wider, much more destructive scale. As far as the possibility of invoking article 5 in the future, cyber attacks of sufficient magnitude may be a trigger for invocation.
What about the future of NATO and the EU?
According to Daniel, Germany and France will leave the Eurozone to pursue a linked monetary union of their own making. When will this happen? As soon as France and Germany realize that they are better off together, and as citizens begin to demand action to be taken on these grounds. When a tipping point is reached, and the tangible benefits outweigh the perceived political risks of pursuing such a union.
What about Russia and Iran?
When do I see that relationship reaching its expiration date? The conflict with Iran, after they are essentially bombed into the stone age. That said, I believe Russia needs to step in and fill some gaps in Syria. Maintaining a naval base does not come close to satisfying the actual requirements on the ground in Syria and the future of the nation. Russia needs to explain to Iran that they "have it from here." Any pending peacekeeping arrangement needs to keep this in mind.
An alliance in the Indian/Pacific modeled after NATO may prove to be useful in navigating the tricky, hazardous situation developing in the South China Sea.
A strong American posture is necessary in the South China Sea, with a renewed focus on securing the shipping lanes found there. A fearless, watchful presence is of paramount importance in maintaining the security of the region and the freedom to navigate these waters.
What are the requirements of the MAP?
There are 5 points.
"1) A willingness to settle international, ethnic, or external territorial disputes by peaceful means, commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and democratic control of the armed forces.
2) An ability to contribute to the organization's defense and missions.
3) Devotion of sufficient resources to armed forces to be able to meet the commitments of membership.
4) Security of sensitive information, and safeguards ensuring it.
5) Compatibility of domestic legislation with NATO cooperation."
This process began under Leonid Kuchma after the Ukraine first applied in 1998. For some odd reason, they decided to back out under elected president Viktor Yanukovych and his election in 2010. This, fortuitously enough for Russia, leaves the Ukraine ripe for the picking. Article 5 cannot be invoked for a non-member nation. Am I questioning Yanukovych's intentions here? Quite possibly.
One would think that with all this talk of "collusion with Russia" that we might be able to reap tangible benefits from actually colluding with Russia on the world stage. NATO membership here would guarantee a nation's safety from Russian overtures/force, but precious little else.
Moving forward, our attention should take a decisive shift toward China and the Indian/Pacific. They are the longer-term headache.
(Who seems to be in Russia's crosshairs, by the way?
- The Ukraine
-Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan)
NATO's article 5 has been invoked only once, and that was after the 9/11 attacks.
So realistically, moving forward, a NATO equivalent of the Indian/Pacific seems to be what we really need, as well as "incidents at sea" agreements. What are these? These nifty arrangements are meant to keep any conflict from becoming a conflagration on a wider, much more destructive scale. As far as the possibility of invoking article 5 in the future, cyber attacks of sufficient magnitude may be a trigger for invocation.
What about the future of NATO and the EU?
According to Daniel, Germany and France will leave the Eurozone to pursue a linked monetary union of their own making. When will this happen? As soon as France and Germany realize that they are better off together, and as citizens begin to demand action to be taken on these grounds. When a tipping point is reached, and the tangible benefits outweigh the perceived political risks of pursuing such a union.
What about Russia and Iran?
When do I see that relationship reaching its expiration date? The conflict with Iran, after they are essentially bombed into the stone age. That said, I believe Russia needs to step in and fill some gaps in Syria. Maintaining a naval base does not come close to satisfying the actual requirements on the ground in Syria and the future of the nation. Russia needs to explain to Iran that they "have it from here." Any pending peacekeeping arrangement needs to keep this in mind.
An alliance in the Indian/Pacific modeled after NATO may prove to be useful in navigating the tricky, hazardous situation developing in the South China Sea.
A strong American posture is necessary in the South China Sea, with a renewed focus on securing the shipping lanes found there. A fearless, watchful presence is of paramount importance in maintaining the security of the region and the freedom to navigate these waters.
Friday, May 19, 2017
May.
May 19, 2017.
A faint breeze accompanies balmy heat on a temperate spring day.
The box fan whirs on the windowsill, facilitating a cross-draft in my studio apartment.
A coffee table makes for a barefoot footrest. Resinated footprints proliferate across the wood-grained surface.
A lawn mower hums from across the street as a neighbor carefully manicures his lawn. The scent of freshly-bled chlorophyll wafts in my direction.
The distinct crackle of my AM radio competes with the typical sounds of a suburban neighborhood.
Spring springs in the Hudson Valley.
My 31st time around.
A faint breeze accompanies balmy heat on a temperate spring day.
The box fan whirs on the windowsill, facilitating a cross-draft in my studio apartment.
A coffee table makes for a barefoot footrest. Resinated footprints proliferate across the wood-grained surface.
A lawn mower hums from across the street as a neighbor carefully manicures his lawn. The scent of freshly-bled chlorophyll wafts in my direction.
The distinct crackle of my AM radio competes with the typical sounds of a suburban neighborhood.
Spring springs in the Hudson Valley.
My 31st time around.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Stymied.
A wide-angle lens exposes the cracks.
A cane becomes a weapon used for blunt force trauma.
Prophecies of loss, trauma, and victory.
Flex, bend, and ascend.
Homeland security sustained.
Foreign influence stymied.
Think wrong.
Think again.
Waterfalls and fields of grain.
Target acquired.
Flames consume in justice and judgment.
A cane becomes a weapon used for blunt force trauma.
Prophecies of loss, trauma, and victory.
Flex, bend, and ascend.
Homeland security sustained.
Foreign influence stymied.
Think wrong.
Think again.
Waterfalls and fields of grain.
Target acquired.
Flames consume in justice and judgment.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Superstate II.
"Tsedeq- Righteous cause.
On the one hand, the relationships among people and of a man to his God can be described as tsedeq, supposing the parties are faithful to each others' expectations."
This is according to Strong's Concordance.
What is this is reference to, you ask?
I would like to refer you back to an article I wrote called "Superstate," and discuss its imperatives on formulating American foreign policy in the future.
I have implied that Saudi Arabia is moving toward rapprocehment with the Muslim Brotherhood in the Middle East. Why?
Because Saudi expansionism into Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (as well as taking on ISIL) is going to be a byproduct of the drying up of the Nile River.
This is all tied in with our policies regarding Iran's nuclear program.
How so?
We need to strike a deal, maximizing our leverage with in regards to cooperating against the Islamic State.
What are some specific parameters that need to be recognized here?
When I took a look at Isaiah 45, things became a bit clearer.
Verses 7-10 in this passage make the point outlined in Superstate come into focus, when things will finally come back full circle against Egypt (cross-reference with nuclear weapons characterized in Zechariah 5:1-4).
Nebuchadnezzar in this passage can also be cross-referenced with Cyrus in Isaiah 45.
These both refer to a Saudi leader.
The Lord makes all of this happen.
Maybe if the Saudis were able to keep up their end of the bargain, future retribution would not fall upon their heads.
But to return to Isaiah 45 and "tsedeq," a point must be made.
Verses 1-8 describe Egyptian treasures being discovered (in order to pay Saudi troops).
It also refers to a future HAARP installation that needs to be constructed on Saudi soil.
“Shower, O heavens, from above,
and let the clouds rain down righteousness;
let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;
let the earth cause them both to sprout;
I the Lord have created it."
This is an application of the ELF/VLF frequency ranges.
(It doesn't take long to install an array field.)
Listen, there are legitimate purposes for the enrichment of uranium for peaceful energy purposes.
But Iran can and should be stopped when it begins to move toward breakout for their nuclear program.
There are other aspects of the Iran deal as well.
Like their ballistic missile program and their military sites being off-limits to international inspectors.
If Iran wants sanctions relief as well as assistance in eliminating the Islamic State, we should use this leverage to its maximum effect, getting the best deal possible.
In my opinion, this should also include routine examinations of their nuclear facilities, at the very minimum. Frequent or unannounced visitations should be on the table here.
This is an example of time management.
Daniel 11 shows a wide-angle view of this clock.
On the one hand, the relationships among people and of a man to his God can be described as tsedeq, supposing the parties are faithful to each others' expectations."
This is according to Strong's Concordance.
What is this is reference to, you ask?
I would like to refer you back to an article I wrote called "Superstate," and discuss its imperatives on formulating American foreign policy in the future.
I have implied that Saudi Arabia is moving toward rapprocehment with the Muslim Brotherhood in the Middle East. Why?
Because Saudi expansionism into Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (as well as taking on ISIL) is going to be a byproduct of the drying up of the Nile River.
This is all tied in with our policies regarding Iran's nuclear program.
How so?
We need to strike a deal, maximizing our leverage with in regards to cooperating against the Islamic State.
What are some specific parameters that need to be recognized here?
When I took a look at Isaiah 45, things became a bit clearer.
Verses 7-10 in this passage make the point outlined in Superstate come into focus, when things will finally come back full circle against Egypt (cross-reference with nuclear weapons characterized in Zechariah 5:1-4).
Nebuchadnezzar in this passage can also be cross-referenced with Cyrus in Isaiah 45.
These both refer to a Saudi leader.
The Lord makes all of this happen.
Maybe if the Saudis were able to keep up their end of the bargain, future retribution would not fall upon their heads.
But to return to Isaiah 45 and "tsedeq," a point must be made.
Verses 1-8 describe Egyptian treasures being discovered (in order to pay Saudi troops).
It also refers to a future HAARP installation that needs to be constructed on Saudi soil.
“Shower, O heavens, from above,
and let the clouds rain down righteousness;
let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;
let the earth cause them both to sprout;
I the Lord have created it."
This is an application of the ELF/VLF frequency ranges.
(It doesn't take long to install an array field.)
Listen, there are legitimate purposes for the enrichment of uranium for peaceful energy purposes.
But Iran can and should be stopped when it begins to move toward breakout for their nuclear program.
There are other aspects of the Iran deal as well.
Like their ballistic missile program and their military sites being off-limits to international inspectors.
If Iran wants sanctions relief as well as assistance in eliminating the Islamic State, we should use this leverage to its maximum effect, getting the best deal possible.
In my opinion, this should also include routine examinations of their nuclear facilities, at the very minimum. Frequent or unannounced visitations should be on the table here.
This is an example of time management.
Daniel 11 shows a wide-angle view of this clock.
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