Tribute to the U.S. Flag

 

The majestic flag
Waving in the air
Beautiful and mighty
For all to stare

Stare at its colors
Red, white and blue
Honoring those who served
And what is true

Requiring Proof of U.S. Citizenship to Vote to Ensure Election Integrity

Recently, there have been plenty of scrutiny over election results within the United States- especially in the case of close elections.  According to Heritage Foundation, the U.S. Supreme Court has noted that known instances has shown and do "demonstrate that not only is [the] risk of voter fraud real but that it could affect the outcome of a close election." There have been numerous cases of voter fraud. Below are three examples listed by the Heritage Foundation.

In 2015, a city council election in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was determined by just 10 votes. However, the election was nullified by a judge, who called for a recount after uncovering that at least 13 unlawful absentee ballots had been submitted.

Another example of voter fraud involves Samunta Shomine Pittman, who was found guilty of 70 counts of felony fraudulent entries under O.C.G.A. §21-2-562(a) by the state in Fulton County of Georgia. In other words, Pittman filled out or had others fill out fictitious names on voter registration application forms while attempting to gain political support in June 2018 for the Coalition for the People's Agenda, which is a left-wing advocacy group. Pittman admitted guilt to the felony charges and received a sentence of three years of probation for each count, to be served at the same time. Additionally, Pittman was required to pay a probation supervision fee and a $50 public defender fee.

Kimberly Zapata, formerly the Deputy Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, faced state charges for one felony count of misconduct in public office and three misdemeanor counts of absentee ballot fraud. During the 2022 election, she requested military absentee ballots under fictitious names and sent them to the home of Wisconsin state legislator Rep. Janel Brandtien (R-Menomonee Falls). Military voters are exempt from voter ID requirements, and Zapata declared the purpose of her actions were to highlight vulnerabilities in the election system. Using Wisconsin's online voter registration platform, she orchestrated the requests. Upon receiving the ballots, Brandtien notified authorities and the media, which led to the removal of Zapata as Deputy Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission. A jury found her guilty on all charges, sentencing her to nine months in jail (stayed pending successful completion of a year of probation), 120 hours of community service, and $5,657 in fines, assessments, and court costs.

All three cases above prove that voter fraud exists and is a real problem that needs to be addressed. This issue is currently being discussed in the legislative branch. 

The House of Representatives has passed a bill earlier this month that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections based on President Trump's executive order. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act was approved in a 220-208 vote. Four Democrats—Ed Case of Hawaii, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Jared Golden of Maine, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington—joined the Republicans to vote for the legislation. 

Representative Chip Roy of Texas introduced the legislation which seeks to revise the National Voter Registration Act. It mandates that individuals registering to vote must provide proof of citizenship in person. Additionally, the bill requires states to implement a system for removing undocumented immigrants from voter rolls and grants American citizens the right to take legal action against election officials who fail to enforce proof-of-citizenship regulations. 

According to Gallup, 83 percent of Americans support the requirement for first time voters to show proof of citizenship when. registering to vote. It is imperative to safeguard our elections against foreign interference and as a nation, we must provide ways to make certain that only American citizens participate in federal elections. Again, the majority of the House passed the bill and up next this bill will be voted on by the Senate. 

The passage of this bill is crucial to ensure election integrity within the United States of America. Please contact your U.S. Senators to vote for this bill. By providing honest elections, U.S. citizens will have confidence that their votes are securely represented in the election process. 

Jesus is Risen, Indeed

The resurrection of Jesus brings eternal hope to those who believe in  Him. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" in John 14:6. Truly, God loves us so much that He wants a personal relationship with all of humanity. He wanted to identify with us and understand what we all face in this world due to the enemy, Satan. God came to be with us through His son, Jesus. And in ancient times, the atonement of sin requires the shedding of blood. Animals were sacrificed for sins. God decided to have Jesus be the ultimate sacrifice for sins. He died for you and I so that we can have a personal relationship with God. Jesus intercedes for us and is our Savior. 

I hope and pray this Easter weekend you draw closer to God and have a deep curiosity and or interest in learning and coming to know Jesus Christ.

Clouded Judgments

Just felt like sharing what's been going on now.  I am praising the Lord and am blessed.  Treasured beyond measured by God.  I am lucky to say that I live freely and don't have to be boggled down by restrictions that deal with the coronavirus (COVID) at work or in my city.  I feel sorry for others who are facing restrictions that are burdensome and that are based on clouded judgments by those in power. As we know, clouds give way to rain that can dampen anyone's existence or happiness.  Anyways, grateful to be alive and survive being sick earlier this year.  

The Heart of Art

The other day I was sitting with my son.  I was trying to explain to him the importance of art.  Art is where one can freely be anything he or she wants to be in a sense.

Through the arts, one is able to be creative and not bound to anything in realistic terms.  Art is our escape from the reality of things where we can form our own made-up realities. Art reinforces our humanity and our brokenness. 

According to Picasso, it washes away the impurities of the soul. Art gives meaning to what it is to be human and is useful within society.

It keeps the masses happily entertained and less likely to commit crimes.  For people are content with their TV shows, movies, music, paintings, drawings, dance, theater, sculpture, etc.  Art is at the heart of our inner being.  It makes us feel and experience the things that make life worth living.

Purpose Driven

This entry isn't going to be cookie cutter cute.  Just real and honest.  Short too, by the way since I need to run errands before it gets too hot to be outside.  Purpose Driven.  Ever heard of it?  I have in a Sunday School setting.

It seems that God has a purpose for everyone.  Jeremiah 29:11 states , "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

I've heard that verse so many times and wondered what God's purpose is for my life.  I have pondered it countless times.  I've thought about missionary work but my health is a deterrent in that area.  At least overseas missionary work.  Also, I find I don't know the Bible as well as I should and I attend Bible studies to expose myself to the Living Word.  

I feel like I'm a ship caught at sea being tossed by the waves aimlessly without any shore in sight or destination.  It's a terrible feeling to be consumed by day in and day out.  The feeling that I've got no direction in life.  So, what have I been doing?

I've been waiting on the Lord.  Psalm 27:14 reads, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  I'm  being patient and hopeful in God's perfect timing for my purpose driven life. Everyday I seek His will for my time here on earth.  I want to honor and glorify Him.  How this will be done is in the Hands of my Creator.

Microchip Implant- Yay or Nay?

Picture this.  It's 2067 and you're out in your self-driving car in the city.  Suddenly, you see red lights flashing in the rear view mirrors and you pull over.  A cop approaches and informs you that your vehicle license plate sticker is expired.  But not only that, he asks you to stick your hand out to get your microchip implant scanned.   This is so he can get all the up-to-date information on you that is readily available through the microchip implant.  

Does this alarm you at all?  Anyone?  What's alarming is that personal rights are being violated here. The microchip implant can be used as a tracking device and serves as a personal identification marker.  Also, it contains firsthand activity information and transactions that have been processed. This is all available at the swipe of a scanner that invades the privacy of individuals.

Privacy rights are outlined in the U.S. Constitution.  In Amendment IV Searches and Seizures, it is unlawful to be searched without a warrant for any incriminating evidence or information.  The idea that an individual can be scanned for incriminating information without a warrant or probable cause is an outrage.  It is a violation of basic human privacy rights.  The right to not be under constant surveillance and have personal information publicly known.  What may not be publicly known is that microchip implants have caused fibrosarcoma within dogs and cats.

There are several cases found on pubmed.gov that have detailed incident reports of fibrosarcoma developing within cats and dogs that have the microchip implant.  According to Encyclopedia.com, fibrosarcoma is a malignant cancerous tumor that sprouts from fibroblasts (cells that produce connective tissue).  They are located near bones and in soft tissue.  The fact that microchip implants cause cancer in animals should be a deterrent in using them at all.  However, the convenience of using the microchip implants is winning some over to the idea that they should be widely utilized.

Microchip implants are convenient and provide a sense of security.  Transactions are made in a secure manner without fraud being an issue.  The microchip won't get lost like a credit or debit card will since it's in your own hand.  Microchip implant transactions eventually cost less over time and end up covering the fee of a mere $150-200 to have the microchip implant surgically placed in the hand. The microchip implant is cost effective and allows ease of access to opening doors, clocking in at work, and paying for items at stores.  The device can contain more than just a history of point of sales purchases.  It also can provide medical information to anyone who scans the device.

Doctors, EMT, and nurses have access to medical information through the microchip implant.  Issues of privacy based on HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws come into question.  Then there's the issue if the device is even safe to use at all.  

Dogs and cats with the microchip implant are diagnosed with fibrosarcoma and that alone should raise eyebrows.  In addition, personal information and privacy are greatly compromised.  The question then is how far do we want to go to be tech savvy?  To the point we undermine our own health and well-being?  I'll leave that implanted in your brains as food for thought.