I’m not familiar with that quote from Lincoln but I am curious about the context. It is true presumably and I think that the majority is wrong if they believe that the final results of this election will be close. The polls have missed the mark for a variety of reasons and things have changed quite dramatically in the last two months or …
I’m not familiar with that quote from Lincoln but I am curious about the context. It is true presumably and I think that the majority is wrong if they believe that the final results of this election will be close. The polls have missed the mark for a variety of reasons and things have changed quite dramatically in the last two months or so, which they cannot see through their methods.
But the more important point for me is that the majority has to be trusted in a democracy and we cannot get there if the majority are inept, ignorant, and conditioned to obey arbitrary authority via mass indoctrination. Bill Moyers quotes an unnamed friend in his book, “The Secret Government”, who said, “What you cannot see can blind you.” More importantly, what you choose not to see can blind you. We are where we are because too many people have rejected the conspicuous truth that students are being conditioned, behavior-modified, mis-educated, mollified, and pacified in schools in which a majority are not correct and their errors in thinking, perception, and judgment are passed on to a naïve and trusting captive audience. The students are captive because a majority have mistakenly believed that all it takes to preserve democracy are some teachers with some knowledge and good intentions in schools totally controlled by the state and forced on the less affluent population. Civics classes are useless under the current paradigm, and we got Reagan, two Bushes, Trump, John Roberts, Mike Johnson, etc. for that very reason.
I prefer not to speculate on the outcome of the Election. I am interested on one thing: The Truth. If you believe the Republicans are liars, you are going to have to prove that to me. At least some of them claim to be followers of Christ. And Jesus had the highest condemnation for the "pretenders" and hypocrites. If the Democrats and the media would quit lying to me, I would prefer to be able to trust them. Why can't they be honest and upfront about their agenda, plans, and beliefs.
Whoa! I guess the Lincoln quote should have been a tip off as to what was coming.
The truth is not available to those who have already firmly decided that it is something that they know and something which conflicts with solid empirical, historical, or other evidence. It is true that those of us on the left or in the center do sometimes get careless and speak of Republicans as a unified group when we mean to refer to the Republican leadership or representatives in Washington. Clearly not all Republicans are liars, or corrupt, or unethical. Liz Cheney has proven herself to be highly principled and at least as honest as most Democratic politicians, I believe. I know some Republicans who are at least sincere. However, lying to oneself is still lying and it still often does egregious harm. Tucker Carlson is another story. He has made a real effort to evade and avoid the truth, and lying to himself must have been practiced from a very early age for him to be so good at it.
Following Christ and following Trump are as far apart as you can get. If you haven’t figured that out then nothing I can say in less than two years of non-stop writing will be of any help. Jesus himself wouldn’t have had the time to convert you I’m afraid. I grew up in an evangelical family and I know a little bit about Jesus and the Bible.
If the media is lying to you, I suspect you are looking at the wrong media. I have listened to Thom for over five years and read much of his writing including just one of his books, so far and, while I don’t agree with him quite 100%, I have never doubted that he is truthful and that his info invariably checks out with other validated and verified media sources. The agenda, for the most part is defending and promoting democracy and an America that affords equal opportunity and peaceful cooperation and honest dialogue. Spirituality has a place but religion is out of place here for most of the audience because politics, government, and scientific study are neutral with respect to religion, whether it involves Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, or some other religious icon.
THANK YOU Robert for an honest answer! Quite refreshing. So: Do you claim to be an "agnostic," or its Latin form -- "ignoramus?" Yes, the Word of God is my Standard for Truth. One thing God cannot do is lie. Therefore, anything that contradicts this Standard cannot be true. And, "No lie is of the truth" (1 John 2:21). And Jesus set another Standard: "he that is not against us is for us" (Luke 9:50). If you are an honest seeker of Truth, God, Who is "not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27), will reveal Himself unto you. Unfortunately, there is an Imposter, "the father of lies" (John 10;44), who is continually trying to confuse everyone -- and THAT is why we all NEED a "Standard." And I have found that the Bible does stand up to all Scientific scrutiny, be it empirical, historical, or Logical. Indeed, Jesus is the "Logos."
I realized a long time ago that each of us comes from a different background, each with their own unique experience. Only God comprehends all this and since He "is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34): We all learn the same way. So, wherever you are in your journey of seeking the Truth, I desire to grow along with you, and desire to trust you and be your friend and earn your trust. Know this: I would never willingly deceive you, and should I be found wrong, PLEASE correct me, because as a "perfectionist," I cannot stand to be "wrong!"
In a perfect world, all sides would present their arguments, and everyone would democratically choose the best option, or after thorough discussion, combination of options -- no deception necessary. Why is it needed anyway? Why would we have to "vote for a Bill," and THEN "see what is in it?"
I know little about Tucker Carlson -- I do not follow him -- except that he seems to be attacked by the media, almost as much as Trump is. I cannot believe that Donald Trump is a "Born-Again" Christian. And with all due respect, I don't believe Jimmy Carter is either (For another discussion and I pray for him often).
As far as I know, Donald Trump has not "repented" of anything and continues to act like a "heathen." The God of the Bible would not allow this to continue, at least not for long: He 'spanks His Children (Hebrews 12:6-8). And either he or his son-in-law said, speaking of Muslims, "We are all God's Children." That simply cannot be true: Either Abraham offered Isaac, or Ishmael on Mt. Moriah. And either "God (Allah) has no son" or "Jesus is The Son of God (Yahweh)."
I have paid for the privilege to interact with The Hartman Report, at least for a month. If it is productive, I will continue. I believe we can solve our problems together. BTW, I confess that I don't know everything, but I know something about a God who claims to. And as I grow in my knowledge of Him, it is my duty and privilege to share all that I am learning with anyone who will listen. And I am meeting many new friends, from different backgrounds, in the process. Again, thank you for your time. Tim P. S. Should you say to me, "There is no such thing as 'Absolute Truth.'" -- Is that true?
Sorry, you lost me at 1 John 2:21. I doubt you will find many people here who will entertain a debate on scripture or religious faith. As I stated before, truth is not available to those who have decided that they already possess it. Saving souls is for other venues and other people. Nice try though.
"Saving souls" is not my job: only God can do that. I was simply reaching out to you by responding to your comments and introducing myself, trying not to hide anything. Perhaps I overdid it. I would like to "save" America: Are you with me or not?
Because I am a "Bible-Believing Christian," am I excluded from trying to solve the problems of the Nation I love and in which I am a citizen? I know that I cannot solve those "existential" problems alone, although I would if I could. Can we agree to at the least try to understand each other, discover the truth about our common concerns, and use words, instead of waiting until someone uses guns? Because I don't know you, I have a question: Are you following in the steps of Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Castro, Putin, Bernie, Walz? The UN? If you are, I can have no fellowship with you. But if you love America, and its Constitution, then perhaps we could work together within that framework to maintain the greatest Country on earth. Of course I understand, as Winston Churchill said, "America's political System is the worst in the world -- except for all the others." It has allowed for the likes of LBJ, Richard Nixon, Bill and wannabe Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and yes, the "reality star" and New York "business tycoon" Donald Trump, to be Presidents -- I left out all the RINOs. I sure miss Harry Truman, and my hero, George Patton.
I believe your credo, "truth is not available to those who have decided that they already possess it" is self-contradictory. Jesus said, "I am the truth" and everyone must decide whether they believe that or not and live accordingly.
Sorry, the obsession with Marx, Lenin, Stalin, etc. and trying to equate progressives or "socialists" with them is a non-starter, as is a reliance on the assumptions on "God" and the Bible as absolute authorities. You have chosen to believe and accept certain things as truth and reality which is your right and privilege. I choose not to use those (subjective, emotional, and ideological) things as my basis for solving the world's problems. We will simply have to agree to disagree and go our separate ways. I have no time to debate with someone who has answers which are outside the realm of rational discussion.
If anything I have said is "irrational,' please point it out. I have other friends who prefer not to discuss "religion and politics." But then, HOW are we going to solve these pressing problems? I have waited way too long to try to stop the deterioration of our Society.
Again, thank you for your time and effort: Please don't give up on me. If we can identify our common concerns, then we can work together to prevent the further loss of, and restore our mutual Freedoms.
Please tell me who you are following, so that I can decide whether to join you, or not.
Once again, I have priorities and no time to waste. You appear to find uncertainty very uncomfortable. I accept uncertainty as an inescapable condition of life. There is certainty in belief and faith. I glad that works for you. It does not work for me and creates an unbridgeable gap for communication, especially because neither of us is going to persuade the other and the attempt eats up precious time. You might find some college classes in political science, biology, anthropology, etc., helpful. This will be my last response.
I too am human. And as much as I try to follow my Credo, "I will trust and not be uncertain," I often find myself fulfilling "Whenever I am uncertain, I will Trust in Thee!."
PS: I do not follow anyone. I watch Thom's show and read his writing. I read everything else I can get my hands on if I have reason to believe it is from a reliable source (less than 500 years old as a rul.
An old joke: A man asked God, "Is it true that with You, One minute is like a thousand years?" "Yes." And "A million dollars is the same as a penny?" "Yes." "Would You give me a Million dollars?" "Just a minute!"
BTW, just because the "Canon" closed about 2000 years ago, God can and does still Speak: But, He never contradicts Himself.
I’m not familiar with that quote from Lincoln but I am curious about the context. It is true presumably and I think that the majority is wrong if they believe that the final results of this election will be close. The polls have missed the mark for a variety of reasons and things have changed quite dramatically in the last two months or so, which they cannot see through their methods.
But the more important point for me is that the majority has to be trusted in a democracy and we cannot get there if the majority are inept, ignorant, and conditioned to obey arbitrary authority via mass indoctrination. Bill Moyers quotes an unnamed friend in his book, “The Secret Government”, who said, “What you cannot see can blind you.” More importantly, what you choose not to see can blind you. We are where we are because too many people have rejected the conspicuous truth that students are being conditioned, behavior-modified, mis-educated, mollified, and pacified in schools in which a majority are not correct and their errors in thinking, perception, and judgment are passed on to a naïve and trusting captive audience. The students are captive because a majority have mistakenly believed that all it takes to preserve democracy are some teachers with some knowledge and good intentions in schools totally controlled by the state and forced on the less affluent population. Civics classes are useless under the current paradigm, and we got Reagan, two Bushes, Trump, John Roberts, Mike Johnson, etc. for that very reason.
I prefer not to speculate on the outcome of the Election. I am interested on one thing: The Truth. If you believe the Republicans are liars, you are going to have to prove that to me. At least some of them claim to be followers of Christ. And Jesus had the highest condemnation for the "pretenders" and hypocrites. If the Democrats and the media would quit lying to me, I would prefer to be able to trust them. Why can't they be honest and upfront about their agenda, plans, and beliefs.
Whoa! I guess the Lincoln quote should have been a tip off as to what was coming.
The truth is not available to those who have already firmly decided that it is something that they know and something which conflicts with solid empirical, historical, or other evidence. It is true that those of us on the left or in the center do sometimes get careless and speak of Republicans as a unified group when we mean to refer to the Republican leadership or representatives in Washington. Clearly not all Republicans are liars, or corrupt, or unethical. Liz Cheney has proven herself to be highly principled and at least as honest as most Democratic politicians, I believe. I know some Republicans who are at least sincere. However, lying to oneself is still lying and it still often does egregious harm. Tucker Carlson is another story. He has made a real effort to evade and avoid the truth, and lying to himself must have been practiced from a very early age for him to be so good at it.
Following Christ and following Trump are as far apart as you can get. If you haven’t figured that out then nothing I can say in less than two years of non-stop writing will be of any help. Jesus himself wouldn’t have had the time to convert you I’m afraid. I grew up in an evangelical family and I know a little bit about Jesus and the Bible.
If the media is lying to you, I suspect you are looking at the wrong media. I have listened to Thom for over five years and read much of his writing including just one of his books, so far and, while I don’t agree with him quite 100%, I have never doubted that he is truthful and that his info invariably checks out with other validated and verified media sources. The agenda, for the most part is defending and promoting democracy and an America that affords equal opportunity and peaceful cooperation and honest dialogue. Spirituality has a place but religion is out of place here for most of the audience because politics, government, and scientific study are neutral with respect to religion, whether it involves Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, or some other religious icon.
THANK YOU Robert for an honest answer! Quite refreshing. So: Do you claim to be an "agnostic," or its Latin form -- "ignoramus?" Yes, the Word of God is my Standard for Truth. One thing God cannot do is lie. Therefore, anything that contradicts this Standard cannot be true. And, "No lie is of the truth" (1 John 2:21). And Jesus set another Standard: "he that is not against us is for us" (Luke 9:50). If you are an honest seeker of Truth, God, Who is "not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27), will reveal Himself unto you. Unfortunately, there is an Imposter, "the father of lies" (John 10;44), who is continually trying to confuse everyone -- and THAT is why we all NEED a "Standard." And I have found that the Bible does stand up to all Scientific scrutiny, be it empirical, historical, or Logical. Indeed, Jesus is the "Logos."
I realized a long time ago that each of us comes from a different background, each with their own unique experience. Only God comprehends all this and since He "is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34): We all learn the same way. So, wherever you are in your journey of seeking the Truth, I desire to grow along with you, and desire to trust you and be your friend and earn your trust. Know this: I would never willingly deceive you, and should I be found wrong, PLEASE correct me, because as a "perfectionist," I cannot stand to be "wrong!"
In a perfect world, all sides would present their arguments, and everyone would democratically choose the best option, or after thorough discussion, combination of options -- no deception necessary. Why is it needed anyway? Why would we have to "vote for a Bill," and THEN "see what is in it?"
I know little about Tucker Carlson -- I do not follow him -- except that he seems to be attacked by the media, almost as much as Trump is. I cannot believe that Donald Trump is a "Born-Again" Christian. And with all due respect, I don't believe Jimmy Carter is either (For another discussion and I pray for him often).
As far as I know, Donald Trump has not "repented" of anything and continues to act like a "heathen." The God of the Bible would not allow this to continue, at least not for long: He 'spanks His Children (Hebrews 12:6-8). And either he or his son-in-law said, speaking of Muslims, "We are all God's Children." That simply cannot be true: Either Abraham offered Isaac, or Ishmael on Mt. Moriah. And either "God (Allah) has no son" or "Jesus is The Son of God (Yahweh)."
I have paid for the privilege to interact with The Hartman Report, at least for a month. If it is productive, I will continue. I believe we can solve our problems together. BTW, I confess that I don't know everything, but I know something about a God who claims to. And as I grow in my knowledge of Him, it is my duty and privilege to share all that I am learning with anyone who will listen. And I am meeting many new friends, from different backgrounds, in the process. Again, thank you for your time. Tim P. S. Should you say to me, "There is no such thing as 'Absolute Truth.'" -- Is that true?
Sorry, you lost me at 1 John 2:21. I doubt you will find many people here who will entertain a debate on scripture or religious faith. As I stated before, truth is not available to those who have decided that they already possess it. Saving souls is for other venues and other people. Nice try though.
"Saving souls" is not my job: only God can do that. I was simply reaching out to you by responding to your comments and introducing myself, trying not to hide anything. Perhaps I overdid it. I would like to "save" America: Are you with me or not?
Because I am a "Bible-Believing Christian," am I excluded from trying to solve the problems of the Nation I love and in which I am a citizen? I know that I cannot solve those "existential" problems alone, although I would if I could. Can we agree to at the least try to understand each other, discover the truth about our common concerns, and use words, instead of waiting until someone uses guns? Because I don't know you, I have a question: Are you following in the steps of Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Castro, Putin, Bernie, Walz? The UN? If you are, I can have no fellowship with you. But if you love America, and its Constitution, then perhaps we could work together within that framework to maintain the greatest Country on earth. Of course I understand, as Winston Churchill said, "America's political System is the worst in the world -- except for all the others." It has allowed for the likes of LBJ, Richard Nixon, Bill and wannabe Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and yes, the "reality star" and New York "business tycoon" Donald Trump, to be Presidents -- I left out all the RINOs. I sure miss Harry Truman, and my hero, George Patton.
I believe your credo, "truth is not available to those who have decided that they already possess it" is self-contradictory. Jesus said, "I am the truth" and everyone must decide whether they believe that or not and live accordingly.
Sorry, the obsession with Marx, Lenin, Stalin, etc. and trying to equate progressives or "socialists" with them is a non-starter, as is a reliance on the assumptions on "God" and the Bible as absolute authorities. You have chosen to believe and accept certain things as truth and reality which is your right and privilege. I choose not to use those (subjective, emotional, and ideological) things as my basis for solving the world's problems. We will simply have to agree to disagree and go our separate ways. I have no time to debate with someone who has answers which are outside the realm of rational discussion.
If anything I have said is "irrational,' please point it out. I have other friends who prefer not to discuss "religion and politics." But then, HOW are we going to solve these pressing problems? I have waited way too long to try to stop the deterioration of our Society.
Again, thank you for your time and effort: Please don't give up on me. If we can identify our common concerns, then we can work together to prevent the further loss of, and restore our mutual Freedoms.
Please tell me who you are following, so that I can decide whether to join you, or not.
Once again, I have priorities and no time to waste. You appear to find uncertainty very uncomfortable. I accept uncertainty as an inescapable condition of life. There is certainty in belief and faith. I glad that works for you. It does not work for me and creates an unbridgeable gap for communication, especially because neither of us is going to persuade the other and the attempt eats up precious time. You might find some college classes in political science, biology, anthropology, etc., helpful. This will be my last response.
I too am human. And as much as I try to follow my Credo, "I will trust and not be uncertain," I often find myself fulfilling "Whenever I am uncertain, I will Trust in Thee!."
PS: I do not follow anyone. I watch Thom's show and read his writing. I read everything else I can get my hands on if I have reason to believe it is from a reliable source (less than 500 years old as a rul.
An old joke: A man asked God, "Is it true that with You, One minute is like a thousand years?" "Yes." And "A million dollars is the same as a penny?" "Yes." "Would You give me a Million dollars?" "Just a minute!"
BTW, just because the "Canon" closed about 2000 years ago, God can and does still Speak: But, He never contradicts Himself.