October Surprise

A recent article on CNN has brought attention to changes in public perception of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as indicated by recent surveys. Harris has experienced a decrease in overall sentiment across party lines. This negative shift is observable not only among Republicans, but also among Democrats and independents, who now express slightly more negative views of her than they did in the previous week.

In contrast, Donald Trump's sentiment has shown a slight improvement. After a decrease in support following a debate, his numbers have rebounded, particularly among Republicans, where sentiment remains steady. Among Democrats and independents, while still negative, there has been a slight shift towards less negativity compared to the earlier data.

These trends suggest that while Harris is encountering growing challenges in terms of public perception, Trump's numbers are stabilizing, especially after a temporary post-debate decline.

In other words, the data shows that people from all political parties have slightly more negative views of Vice President Harris compared to last week. This means that her overall perception has declined across different political groups. On the other hand, former President Trump's numbers have slightly improved. While Republicans' views of Trump have stayed the same, independents and Democrats are expressing slightly less negative views of him, showing a small increase in his favorability among these groups.

This change reflects a complex political landscape where both Harris and Trump are experiencing shifts in public opinion, but in different directions.

Another CNN article said Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast, known for its candid discussions on sex and relationships, reflects her campaign’s strategy of engaging with more unconventional media outlets. This approach aims to reach different audiences, but has sparked a mixed response. Unknown critics argue that Harris is avoiding more challenging interviews by opting for these forums, while others view it as a smart and modern way to spread her message.

This appearance marks the beginning of a broader media tour for Harris, which includes stops on major platforms like The View, The Howard Stern Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Univision’s town hall, and CBS’ 60 Minutes. The strategy appears to target a diverse range of viewers, aiming to increase her visibility and connect with voters through both traditional and unconventional media channels.

Obama takes the Sprint

According to CNN, former President Barack Obama is set to embark on a 27-day campaign sprint next week, starting in Pennsylvania, to support Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid. His first stop will be in Pittsburgh, marking the beginning of a series of appearances in key battleground states. 

The 2024 election, in Obama’s view, is an “all hands on deck” moment, aides have said.

“I wish I could give you a four- or five-point plan as to how we’re going to win this election. Truthfully, the plan is we’re going to push through it,” he said during the California fundraising event, according to excerpts from his office.

Obama’s influence, particularly among Democrats, is seen as crucial in energizing voters for the upcoming election. This campaign effort comes as polls remain tight, and Obama aims to leverage his popularity to boost Harris’s chances.

What is this mess? 270 to win

 Where is the campaign staff? Are they aware?

“We’re under siege” Springfield in Crisis: The Strain of Immigration and Community Response

What happens to a town when 20,000 guests show up? Chaos. 

A small, industrial town of 60,000 residents, Springfield, Ohio, has found itself at the center of a tense debate over immigration, community resources, and the future of its identity. Over the past five years, as many as 20,000 Haitian

immigrants have arrived, dramatically reshaping the town’s demographics and sparking heated discussions about cultural integration, safety, and economic challenges. Can this happen where you live?

At a recent August 2024, Springfield City Hall meeting, the room was packed with residents eager to express their frustrations, with many feeling neglected as the town has struggled to accommodate the new population. Tensions were high, with comments from citizens ranging from concerns about public safety to accusations that the local government was failing to protect the interests of long-standing residents.

The Nation’s Attention is on Us: A Town Divided

"The good thing is we have the nation’s attention," one community leader remarked. "What are we going to do with it?" 

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has faced mounting pressure, not only from constituents but also from political figures who have weighed in on the issue. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) has voiced his concerns, stating, “It’s not just housing. They’re trying to build 5,000 new housing units, which is a Herculean task in a town of 55,000 people. It’s also hospital services, school services, and a whole host of ways in which this immigration problem is having real human consequences.”

In addition to infrastructure concerns, the town’s fabric of social trust has been fraying, exacerbated by baseless rumors that have inflamed anxieties. Former President Trump mentioned these rumors during a presidential debate, fueling national attention on Springfield. One such rumor, spread online by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, claimed that immigrants were capturing and eating local geese—an allegation that was widely circulated but not substantiated.

"There’s a recorded police call from a witness who saw immigrants capturing geese for food in Springfield," Yost said, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the media’s supposed failure to address the issue. This claim, however, remains unverified, with Mayor Rue affirming that the city has not found credible reports of immigrants harming or abusing pets.

Fear and Misinformation

The sudden influx of Haitian immigrants has heightened cultural tensions in Springfield. Residents have complained of feeling "unsafe," with some reporting disorderly behavior, including loud altercations and littering, though these claims are often generalized and lack substantiated evidence.

"I have men that cannot speak English in my front yard, screaming at me, throwing mattresses, and trashing my property," one resident said during an August city commission meeting. Another resident recalled seeing immigrants allegedly "field-dressing roadkill" on the side of the highway and taking birds from local parks to cook—allegations that play into xenophobic narratives about the newcomers.

These types of stories, often lacking corroboration, have made their way into public discourse, particularly on social media platforms where misinformation can spread quickly. Some residents expressed concerns about the rise of a neo-Nazi group visiting Springfield, heightening the already palpable tensions. This disturbing development has sparked debates over the appropriate response from city leaders, who face mounting pressure to protect all residents while also addressing the legitimate concerns of the community.

Cultural Clashes and Struggles for Integration

Springfield, historically a predominantly white city, has seen its racial makeup change rapidly. In 2022, the town was still about 70% white, but the arrival of tens of thousands of Haitian immigrants has transformed the demographic balance. 

The reason immigrants are there is to provide a proper workforce for new industries who complained that the indigenous residents couldn’t pass drug screens a appeared to not be interested in working, according to YouTuber, Nick Johnson. He recently embedded in the town for two days, he said in his video. He is not the only one. Many citizen journalists have traveled to Springfield to find out if the pet-eating rumors are true.

For many long-time residents, this change has been jarring, with some struggling to adjust to the cultural differences that the new population brings.

While local leaders have called for understanding and cooperation, they are also confronting a complex set of challenges that go beyond cultural clashes. The town's infrastructure, particularly its schools, hospitals, and social services, is being stretched to its limits, with no immediate solutions in sight.

In response, U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Dayton) has been working with local officials to secure federal aid to help ease the burden on Springfield’s resources. During a press conference, he emphasized the need for financial support to maintain the town’s public health, safety, and education systems.

Yet, even as leaders work toward practical solutions, some residents feel that the cultural divide is widening. Derogatory terms and heated rhetoric are becoming common at public forums, with many expressing frustration that their concerns about the immigrant population are being ignored or downplayed by city officials.

The Search for Solutions: Rebuilding Trust

As Springfield grapples with its new reality, community leaders are tasked with not only providing resources for the growing immigrant population but also helping residents reconnect with shared values. Mayor Rue has called for unity, emphasizing that it is possible to balance the needs of both long-time residents and new arrivals.

“There are ways we can come together as a community,” said one city official, suggesting cultural exchange programs and town hall discussions as possible avenues to foster mutual understanding.

Additionally, non-profits and local organizations have stepped up efforts to provide language assistance, job training, and cultural orientation to help immigrants integrate more smoothly into the community. These programs, while essential, are only part of the broader effort needed to address economic challenges, which remain at the forefront of local concerns.

Some leaders are advocating for new housing developments, expanded healthcare facilities, and increased funding for schools, all of which will require significant investment and collaboration at the state and federal levels. Without these resources, the strain on Springfield's infrastructure may continue to fuel resentment, deepening the divide between residents and the immigrant community.

A Town at a Crossroads

Springfield stands at a critical moment in its history. The influx of Haitian immigrants has brought new challenges, but it also presents an opportunity for the town to redefine itself as a place of inclusion and resilience. As the nation watches, the question remains: Can Springfield find a way to balance the needs of its diverse population while addressing the legitimate concerns of its residents?

For now, Springfield’s leaders are focused on navigating the difficult path ahead, working to ensure that the town’s future is one where both long-time residents and new immigrants can thrive together.

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What Are Dead Works

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Dead works are works that appear good externally but that spring from a corrupt motive or done for the wrong reason. Therefore they are like filthy garments in God's eyes. It is like a person who is filled with leprosy giving you a first class apple to eat with his leprous hand. Would you take it and eat it? The apple may be good, but it is contaminated with the germs of leprosy in that person's hands. It is the same way when we offer a good thing to God but contaminated with the wrong motive. It could be a prayer, you could sing a solo in a Christian meeting, and your aim may be to get honour for yourself. Well, what is that - a good work or a bad work? - It is a dead work.

It is important for us to understand this. It is well known among believers that "The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins" (1 John 1:7), but what is not so well known is that "The blood of Christ must also cleanse us from dead works before we can serve the living God" (Heb. 9:14). So, what does the blood of Christ cleanse us from? - Not only sins. It must also cleanse us from the dead works. And therefore it is very, very important for us to have a very clear understanding as to what dead works are. 

First of all, dead works are works done without any joy. In other words, these are works done out of compulsion, or necessity, or for the fear of punishment, or something like that. You know how some of you get your son, for example, to obey you to do his homework when he wants to play out in the field. You force him to come in with a threat of punishing him with a cane if he doesn't listen. Then he sits down with a grumpy face at his table and does his homework. He is not doing it with joy, but he is doing it. The homework is a good thing to do but then it is done out of compulsion.

It is the same way a lot of people pay their tithe; they don't do it joyfully. They do it because they are told by some pastor that if they don't do it they will be punished - that they will get some sickness in their home and then they have to give the money to the doctor at the hospital, if they don't give it to God etc. So, out of fear, they pay their tithe.

Opinion: A response to a Lex Clips video interview by Lex Fridman

The reason for “shotgun marriage” is that the Church will not recognize illegitimacy, so it is better to marry than to burn (in passion). People used to belong to a church of any religion. Now, church membership is low. So there is no Bible teaching amongst the People, thus illegitimate birth, female-headed households, working poor, misplaced financial goals, and low-quality citizens. These Citizens are those who steal, kill, destroy, and lie and are likely to be the Dammed Unbeliever who misuse substances through habit (growing up watching others do this). They don't know to ask God for help. They are unaware of how they come off to the world. They are clueless. Many 😢are uninterested in learning because they lack understanding and learning is frowned upon in their households. Prison is a test to endure and they willingly go. Prison rather than books, learning, literacy, public school 🎓 and college degrees. These Damned Unbelievers are created by The Culture (which replaced the Church) and is designed to harm and cull them out from Godly People. Members of their own race would rather not bother to warn because this type of news & information is unpleasant and has no solution for the Damned Unbeliever and could create a violent reaction. Imagine throwing ice water into boiling oil. Ouch! “If My People who call themselves by My Name would turn from their sins and pray, I will return them back to Me.” The Culture used to produce a cleaner citizen; educated enough to know better than be an offense. We had Books, Radio, TV then Cable. If it couldn't be broadcast on these, it remained unknown.

My Opinion is based on information from the Bible

​"Like Simon Magus, whom the early apostles also confronted, the Nicolaitans introduced the concept of using the name of Jesus for commercial gain, dominance and control. After all, the concept had worked quite well in the pagan temples of the vast gentile world, generating wealth and revenue for many societies" (Nicholas and Xmas by C. Franklin).

In a church setting, these people attempted to set themselves up to rule over the lives and faith of other church members. They tried to force others to submit to their arbitrary position of authority that God never gave them and which he hates! The Apostle Peter warned that leaders among the church were not to dominate over the faith of others but rather exhort them to do right.

The elders who are among you I exhort, even as a fellow elder . . . Feed the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight not by compulsion, but willingly; not in fondness of dishonest gain, but with an eager attitude; Not as exercising lordship over your possessions; but by being examples to the flock of God (1Peter 5:1 - 3).

The hierarchical teachings of the Nicolaitans openly reared its head during the Catholic Church's Council of Trent that was held between 1545 and 1563. During the council they stated, "If anyone shall say that there is not in the Catholic Church a hierarchy established by the divine ordination, consisting of bishops, presbyters and ministers, let him be anathema (a person who is to be detested and excommunicated)."

An Evil Structure

The entire top-down church administrative structure of the Catholics, as well as many other churches, owes its survival to maintaining what the Nicolaitans taught. Many "Christian" groups and denominations promote the belief in a strict church hierarchy where control over the people must be maintained and respected. The system they promote feeds on competition and strife among believers in order to take advantage of them at any time.

The Lord not only demands repentance from those who believe the doctrine of the Nicolaitans but also threatens severe punishment if they do not. God warns those who practice such lies, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen . . . or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place" (Revelation 2:5). May the warning be heeded!

Jude

For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.

And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.

In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.

Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.

Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.

These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:8-16 False teachers are dreamers; they greatly defile and grievously wound the soul. These teachers are of a disturbed mind and a seditious spirit; forgetting that the powers that be, are ordained of God, Ro 13:1. As to the contest about the body of Moses, it appears that Satan wished to make the place of his burial known to the Israelites, in order to tempt them to worship him, but he was prevented, and vented his rage in desperate blasphemy. This should remind all who dispute never to bring railing charges. Also learn hence, that we ought to defend those whom God owns. It is hard, if not impossible, to find any enemies to the Christian religion, who did not, and do not, live in open or secret contradiction to the principles of natural religion. Such are here compared to brute beasts, though they often boast of themselves as the wisest of mankind. They corrupt themselves in the things most open and plain. The fault lies, not in their understandings, but in their depraved wills, and their disordered appetites and affections. It is a great reproach, though unjust to religion, when those who profess it are opposed to it in heart and life. The Lord will remedy this in his time and way; not in men's blind way of plucking up the wheat with the tares. It is sad when men begin in the Spirit, and end in the flesh. Twice dead; they had been once dead in their natural, fallen state; but now they are dead again by the evident proofs of their hypocrisy. Dead trees, why cumber they the ground! Away with them to the fire. Raging waves are a terror to sailing passengers; but when they get into port, the noise and terror are ended. False teachers are to expect the worst punishments in this world and in that to come. They glare like meteors, or falling stars, and then sink into the blackness of darkness for ever. We have no mention of the prophecy of Enoch in any other part or place of Scripture; yet one plain text of Scripture, proves any point we are to believe. We find from this, that Christ's coming to judge was prophesied of, as early as the times before the flood. The Lord cometh: what a glorious time will that be! Notice how often the word ungodly is repeated. Many now do not at all refer to the terms godly, or ungodly, unless it be to mock at even the words; but it is not so in the language taught us by the Holy Ghost. Hard speeches of one another, especially if ill-grounded, will certainly come into account at the day of judgment. These evil men and seducers are angry at every thing that happens, and never pleased with their own state and condition. Their will and their fancy, are their only rule and law. Those who please their sinful appetites, are most prone to yield to ungovernable passions. The men of God, from the beginning of the world, have declared the doom denounced on them. Such let us avoid. We are to follow men only as they follow Christ.

Jude

Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”

These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. 

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Waiver program changes for parents

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If it’s so easy, why isn’t everyone doing it⁉️

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