Like I said on yesterdays thread, the outrage is over AP not calling Hamas what they are, which is terrorists. They’re not combatants, fighters, attackers, or militants. They’re cowardly terrorists.
Accuracy matters.
Most could care less whether they capitalize “war”.
I’m surprised that was your takeaway.
🧵Hamas is not a “militant” organization; they are not “freedom fighters.” They are a criminal, nihilistic, murder-and-rape organized crime ring. Anyone who supports what they did under the misguided notion that it was for “Palestinian freedom” is delusional or morally complicit.
And like every other organized crime ring, they live on money. And that is how they can be crushed. It may take years. But that is how the American mob was beaten; how the Medellin Cartel was beaten. Cut off the money, they suffocate.
The Hamas terrorist group has never been very popular among the Palestinian people it rules in the Gaza Strip, and Gazans shouldn’t be blamed for its actions or its continued hold on power. https://t.co/iG0ZgXJIXp
Even our govt has labeled Hamas a terrorist group, yet they continue to bankroll them.
Joe Biden sending $100M in aid to Hamas, unfreezing $6B of Iranian assets, and, as VP, participating in sending pallets full of cash to Iran is quickly making America the largest state sponsor of terrorism.
Direct quote from @StateDept’s new #Iraq advisory: “U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks to their safety and security, including the potential for violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias…
I don’t wish these attacks to happen. Just think it’s important for the American people to have full transparency about the threat level, so they can judge their political leaders’ strategy & our national security. 6/6
These are the tactics of terrorists. Hide in the hospitals, schools, and mosques in order to use the nearby civilians as human shields.
Israel is aware of what Hamas is, and labels them appropriately.
The IDF & ISA just conducted an aerial strike on a Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist compound in the Al-Ansar Mosque in Jenin.
Recent IDF intel revealed that the Mosque was used as a command center to plan and execute terrorist attacks against civilians. pic.twitter.com/gQfyv6wUAV
This editors’ note should be the top story on your homepage, like the one the screwed up on, not buried somewhere else. The headline should be “Editor’s Note: We Will No Longer Publish Hamas Propaganda” and it should be sent out via push notification just like the original one. https://t.co/1mIUZbc3ci
"The NY Times relied too heavily on the word of baby murderers and a terrorist group who zip tied innocent people to their kids and set them on fire." https://t.co/z0Gcen5PxK
Shouldn't this report also include a large headline at the top of The Times’s website and the same prominence in news alerts and social media channels? #shame
How about the photo of the destroyed building that *wasn't the hospital* that you used again the *next day* on the front page of your print edition? https://t.co/KcOe3eZ77vpic.twitter.com/gWauNCjpy0
“In addition to Israel showing “indescribable, raw footage of Hamas’ massacre” to over 100 international journalists, Israel also has released vide of interrogations of terrorists who participated in the October 7 Massacre, describing their crimes against humanity committed during the attack.
We previously have covered to other interrogations previously released:
Hamas Goal In Capturing Jewish Women, Children, and Babies Was To “Dirty Them, To Rape Them”, Admits Terrorist”
“Terrorist Captive: Admits Hamas “cut off their heads” after killing Israelis, and “raping and whoring” of children”
“The additional videos released today are described by the Israel Hayom newspaper:”
““The plan was to go from house to house, throw grenades, and kill everyone there, including women and children,” the terrorist said. He also mentioned that Hamas instructed them to behead their victims….
During the interrogation, he admitted that they received instructions to carry out the heinous acts they committed, which has led Israel to successfully compare the Gaza rulers to the Islamic State terrorist group, which has become infamous for its atrocities and torture.
“The purpose of entering Israeli territory for free was to kidnap civilians; they want as many hostages as possible,” one of the terrorists revealed during the interrogation. He added, “They promised us that whoever brings a kidnapped person will receive an apartment and $10,000.”
Another terrorist talked about the instructions to seize Sufa military post and kill the residents of Kfar Aza, saying: “The instructions were to kidnap anyone we came across – elderly, women, and children. We were ordered to kill everyone in Kfar Gaza and empty the kibbutz of its people. In one case we entered a home and saw another group holding the family hostage, and they were using them as human shields so that they would not get hurt.”
Another terrorist who was part of the group of terrorists in Kfar Gaza described the horrors they committed: “We entered one of the houses; there was a woman on the floor, and then her dog came towards us so I shot the dog. After that, we noticed a man in the yard of the house, and I shot him with three bullets.” At this point, the investigator asked the terrorist if the man in the yard was armed, and the terrorist replied, “No, he was not armed. I shot him in the chest with three bullets when he was not holding any weapon at all.
“Afterward, we roamed around the area, and we saw two adjacent houses at a specific point in Kfar Gaza, and we burned both of them completely,” the Hamas terrorist recounted. The video also shows the terrorist admitting to having sex with the corps of a woman.
The terrorist from the special unit that entered Israel also spoke about the kidnappings of civilians from the communities: ‘I saw my team members taking an older woman, approximately 65 years old, on a motorcycle. They put her on the motorcycle and sped off to Gaza. Other team members shot a woman inside her house, and then they took a girl of about 16. They took a selfie with her and kidnapped her as well. Inside the house, there was a man who shot at us; we threw four grenades into his house and killed him.”
The terrorist belonging to Hamas’ special Nukhba Unit that infiltrated Israel spoke about the massacre they committed in one of the families in Kfar Aza. His testimony was as follows: “We reached a house where a family had taken shelter inside a reinforced room, and we yelled for them to come out, but they were afraid and stayed inside. We set off a small explosive on the iron window, creating a small hole, and threatened to throw a burning cloth inside to suffocate the people inside. As a result, one of the girls inside got scared and opened the window. One of the team members fired a burst of 10 bullets at the mother and her two daughters, aged 18-20. Later, more of us came and fired more shots at them.”
The interrogator asked the terrorist, “Were the girls and the mother armed? And is it allowed to shoot women like this according to the Quran?” The terrorist replied, “None of them were armed, and they didn’t fire at all. We simply slaughtered them. According to the Quran, it’s forbidden.”
An investigator asked one of the terrorists, “Aren’t your actions similar to those of ISIS? Killing civilians indiscriminately is exactly what ISIS does.’ The terrorist replied, “That’s correct; it’s just like ISIS. There’s no difference.”
Another terrorist was asked the same question, and he replied, “There is no difference between what we did and what ISIS does. The brutality is the same.”
Here are the videos:”
—–
I’m not posting them for obvious reasons. You can view them at the link if you choose.
This is why there’s outrage over not calling them what they are. Accuracy matters.
dj: I didn’t ask you generally about the political spectrum, I asked you specifically what you consider to be the far or extreme right. It seems that you won’t explicitly say, but from what comes across in what you post here, it seems that you consider the MAGA movement to be the extreme right. The question is ‘Why’?
The MAGA movement is characterized by true conservatism. Faith, family and freedom are pillars of the movement, and it is characterized by adherence to the US Constitution, limited government, low taxes, a strong military, protection of our borders, being pro-life, pro-Israel. It includes not sending billions to Ukraine without true accountability, not starting endless wars. What is extreme about any of those things?
The MAGA movement is now the heart of the Republican Party. Pres. Trump has a 60% rating in the polls, while the other candidates are way behind in single digits (they shouldn’t even bother having another debate). It’s what the great majority of Republican voters want. And Jim Jordan is who they wanted as Speaker. If he can’t be trusted to be Speaker, then who can? (Of those who are now being considered, probably only Byron Donalds.)
… The inestimable Rep. Matt Gaetz, who gave America this period of instability and Republicans a PR disaster that could cost them their slim majority in 2024, said this week that “we should put a demand on the Senate to pass our single-subject spending bills.” Nice thought and a worthy cause in theory, but this will go nowhere—especially as an ultimatum from a loudmouth who blocked single-subject appropriations bills when Speaker McCarthy was trying to move legislation that way.
Since the GOP holds only the House, and by only a bare margin, the next Republican speaker must set priorities, focus on the possible, and aim for incremental changes that bend government toward conservative principles. A Freedom Caucus backbencher can demand purity from GOP leadership. But a speaker must aim for the maximum reasonable advance in a conservative direction, not act as if he controls Washington with his gavel.
Any new Republican speaker must be careful about substituting his opinions for those of the House GOP membership writ large. He can try persuading, but given the disunity and anger in the House Republican Caucus, he can no more dictate to them than to President Biden or Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Still, for all the Republicans’ problems, there’s hope: Americans don’t like Democrats either. A Sept. 23 Gallup poll found 56% gave the GOP an unfavorable rating while 58% rated Democrats unfavorably. The saving grace for Republicans is that on big issues, Americans pick the GOP by a large margin.
On which party “will do a better job of keeping the country prosperous,” Americans said Republicans by 53% to 39%, the GOP’s largest lead on this issue since mid-1991. When asked which party “will do a better job of protecting the country from international terrorism and military threats,” Republicans lead Democrats by an even wider margin, 57% to 35%.
Even when voters were asked which party would do a better job “handling the problem you think is most important,” Republicans lead 44% to 36%. This suggests the GOP’s views on such issues as crime and immigration are winners and that the Democratic approach on abortion may not be the surefire hit they think.
While no speaker vote will rescue House Republicans from their current troubles, they still have some things working in their favor. To keep their majority, Republicans must aim for incremental progress. Americans aren’t likely to reward a party that displays contempt for the hard, slow work of coalition building and governing. You can’t blame them. ~
So they’re going to nominate the Soros plant for R speaker, and then wonder yet again what happened when voters stay home next election.
At this point Trump is the only R getting my vote.
Folks can label me the extreme right if they like. Given the milquetoast and Soros plant crowd in the party, I’m extreme right because the party has become left leaning Democrat lite. You all moved left, I’m standing where I’ve always been. The R party has become like NY and Cali R’s, living in occupied territory and knuckling under to Dems at every turn. So be it.
Just remember, without us, the R party can’t win a national election. This is what your choosing.
Ty, I appreciate what you’ve asked and I know many MAGA voters are sincere and about their convictions. They include neighbors and, I’m guessing, some fellow church members though not all. We are a church that includes some Democrats.
Politics should not become an idol.
Basically I believe that the “MAGA” leadership, Trump especially but also some of the other most visible leaders of the movement, are not capable of governing from all evidence. Again (I think I’ve expressed this before) I find the character, temperament and general behavior of many of the movement’s leaders a non-starter for me and I believe they’ve so divided the political party they belong to and has damaged the chances of conservatives (who should have been in a much better position than they are now considering how the Democrats have not delivered).
I consider the key MAGA leaders to be reckless, ego-driven and (again) not really capable of knowing how to govern. They have caused many to get caught up in idolatry and even violence, some of whom were well-meaning and had good intentions.
MAGA has run it’s course (I hope) and is now its own worst enemy (only they can’t see that).
It’s time to move on, please.
At this point, the Republican party is in an all-out civil war, cannot even elect a speaker for heaven’s sake. The gang that couldn’t shoot straight. It’s become a travesty.
The Democrats aren’t in great shape, either, but the GOP is literally self-imploding. If anyone thinks that’s a good thing, they’re not understanding US politics or governance.
On many issues, Ty, we may/probably do agree. But in the hands of MAGA and those who, to me, appear on a power trip at this point, those virtuous issues sadly get lost in the chaos, a means to an end to power for some men (and women). And that’s exactly what that ill-led movement has now let loose on the rest of us.
Do you really think Trump and folks like Gaetz are men of good, honorable and wise and humble character? Because while issues are important, so is a person’s character when a nation is choosing a leader worthy of the people and the position.
I haven’t been keeping up with the daily political drama, but it seems to me the outlook is not as desperate as I had thought. Trump will probably win handily if RFK and that other Democrat persist in 3rd party bids.
I’m thinking Trump is the only one who will get my vote at this point. DJ is correct that the Republican party is in a civil war and it wouldn’t make sense to me to vote for the side I believe is wrong. Dangerously wrong. So Trump it is.
That being said, we shouldn’t be distraught over these things. The Lord does not leave the big moves of history in our hands. Just as the heart of the king is in his hand to turn as he wishes, so is history itself. When all’s said and done it will be His story as well as ours.
Debra
I would also say that having two political parties has (so far) worked well in this country. Each sometimes do need to balance each other and they can also keep the other in check from going off those tempting cliffs.
We live in a pluralistic society with vast differences of political beliefs, though I’d say most voters fall in the center-right and center-left categories, not on the far ends.
We must vote our conscience and that is left to each of us to determine.
Governing in a two-party system also requires cooperation at many junctures. I requires coalitions, negotiation, cooperation and acceptance when we don’t always get our way. We accept defeat and take our cause to the next election.
No one side will get everything it wants in our system of government, it wasn’t designed that way. Other countries have chosen that route and it never ends well.
So we understand we are to live with our neighbors on the other side of the political divide. Scripture takes that a step beyond to loving our neighbors, and our enemies.
As believers, politics is not our creed.
I think we are called to be good citizens, to be informed, and participate. We won’t always agree. Sometimes we’ll hardly ever agree even when we’re theoretically on the “same side.” It’s been working so far, but it’s never perfect and never will be.
But we need two healthy, working political parties lest it descend into a brawl.
And as Debra said, God’s will prevails, in both big and small things. He raises up and He deposes leaders.
His providence also allows for judgment to be meted out on nations, perhaps by allowing them to willfully go their way. I hope that’s not what we’re witnessing in this social and political era, but history will tell that story. -dj
“Most could care less whether they capitalize “war”.
I’m surprised that was your takeaway.
But the part that Kevin mentioned was in this part of that you had quoted from the piece, indicating that it had some importance to you (or why bother including it in the quote?):
“The reporters also cannot capitalize the word war. It has to be the “Israel-Hamas war.” Why?
“Lowercase the word war,” the AP explained. “AP capitalizes that word only as part of a formal name, which as of now does not exist.”
Are. You. Kidding. Me. Israel *literally* declared war on Hamas. It is *literally* a war.”
Debra – re: “The Lord does not leave the big moves of history in our hands. Just as the heart of the king is in his hand to turn as he wishes, so is history itself. When all’s said and done it will be His story as well as ours.”
Indeed. I’ve tried to make that point before, but it didn’t go over well. 🙂
AJ, that wasn’t my only takeaway, but I chose to comment on the part about capitalizing “war” for these reasons:
1. The author made a big deal about it.
2. You included that big deal in your quotation.
3. It’s an example of what I have observed at both ends of the spectrum. The mountains that deserve outrage get muddied up by all the attention paid to stupid molehills.
Another example was from a couple years ago when Bill Barr dared to (gasp!) compare vaccine mandates to slavery. I said the same thing then, it was a stupid thing to be outraged about. What he said was that vaccine mandates were the worst infringement of American liberty other than slavery. So, yes, he compared vaccine mandates to slavery, but clearly judging slavery worse, so what was the outrage for?
So I chose capitalizing war as a perfect example of being outraged about stupid things.
I agree that much of the reporting has been outrageously inaccurate and slanted. I don’t see how fussing about side issues strengthens that stand.
The “war” thing was just part of the text I shared, but my point was labeling them what they are, terrorists. My second point was what a joke the AP “stylebook” is.
It’s just politically correct trash.
The media is far to gentle with Hamas in most cases. Accuracy matters.
Kevin, I would take minor issue with the overall media-covering-war assessment. I try to look at a number of outlets so coverage varies, of course. And it also varies day to day as news cycles pick up the latest nuances, including reactions worldwide to what is going on. Sometimes, not always stories are blown and mishandled. Corrections and clarifications then should come quickly and be sincere from those outlets.
But “the media” is not a monolith, we all need to work to find trustworthy sources and rely primarily on those.
And I will say that reporters trying to cover a war unfolding in real time is no easy task. There have been (and will be) failures to be sure. But the task itself is beyond difficult (and dangerous to boot).
But thanks also for your participation here, much appreciated and I wish others would also choose to participate, variety is good for all of us to see and hear 🙂 -dj
Wandering Views 
Kevin,
Like I said on yesterdays thread, the outrage is over AP not calling Hamas what they are, which is terrorists. They’re not combatants, fighters, attackers, or militants. They’re cowardly terrorists.
Accuracy matters.
Most could care less whether they capitalize “war”.
I’m surprised that was your takeaway.
LikeLike
Also causing outrage, justified too……
Even our govt has labeled Hamas a terrorist group, yet they continue to bankroll them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are at war, no matter how you spell it, whether folks want to admit it or not. US forces are actively engaged against Iranian forces.
LikeLike
These are the tactics of terrorists. Hide in the hospitals, schools, and mosques in order to use the nearby civilians as human shields.
Israel is aware of what Hamas is, and labels them appropriately.
LikeLike
Well at least they admit their error now.
Like the original inaccurate story did.
LikeLike
Vile animals.
CONTENT WARNING!!!!!!!
“Multiple Hamas Terrorists: We Became Like ISIS, Admit To Beheadings, Stomping Heads, Sex With Dead Women,
“There is no difference between what we did and what ISIS does. The brutality is the same.””
https://legalinsurrection.com/2023/10/multiple-hamas-terrorists-became-like-isis-admit-to-beheadings-stomping-heads-sex-with-dead-women/
“In addition to Israel showing “indescribable, raw footage of Hamas’ massacre” to over 100 international journalists, Israel also has released vide of interrogations of terrorists who participated in the October 7 Massacre, describing their crimes against humanity committed during the attack.
We previously have covered to other interrogations previously released:
Hamas Goal In Capturing Jewish Women, Children, and Babies Was To “Dirty Them, To Rape Them”, Admits Terrorist”
“Terrorist Captive: Admits Hamas “cut off their heads” after killing Israelis, and “raping and whoring” of children”
“The additional videos released today are described by the Israel Hayom newspaper:”
““The plan was to go from house to house, throw grenades, and kill everyone there, including women and children,” the terrorist said. He also mentioned that Hamas instructed them to behead their victims….
During the interrogation, he admitted that they received instructions to carry out the heinous acts they committed, which has led Israel to successfully compare the Gaza rulers to the Islamic State terrorist group, which has become infamous for its atrocities and torture.
“The purpose of entering Israeli territory for free was to kidnap civilians; they want as many hostages as possible,” one of the terrorists revealed during the interrogation. He added, “They promised us that whoever brings a kidnapped person will receive an apartment and $10,000.”
Another terrorist talked about the instructions to seize Sufa military post and kill the residents of Kfar Aza, saying: “The instructions were to kidnap anyone we came across – elderly, women, and children. We were ordered to kill everyone in Kfar Gaza and empty the kibbutz of its people. In one case we entered a home and saw another group holding the family hostage, and they were using them as human shields so that they would not get hurt.”
Another terrorist who was part of the group of terrorists in Kfar Gaza described the horrors they committed: “We entered one of the houses; there was a woman on the floor, and then her dog came towards us so I shot the dog. After that, we noticed a man in the yard of the house, and I shot him with three bullets.” At this point, the investigator asked the terrorist if the man in the yard was armed, and the terrorist replied, “No, he was not armed. I shot him in the chest with three bullets when he was not holding any weapon at all.
“Afterward, we roamed around the area, and we saw two adjacent houses at a specific point in Kfar Gaza, and we burned both of them completely,” the Hamas terrorist recounted. The video also shows the terrorist admitting to having sex with the corps of a woman.
The terrorist from the special unit that entered Israel also spoke about the kidnappings of civilians from the communities: ‘I saw my team members taking an older woman, approximately 65 years old, on a motorcycle. They put her on the motorcycle and sped off to Gaza. Other team members shot a woman inside her house, and then they took a girl of about 16. They took a selfie with her and kidnapped her as well. Inside the house, there was a man who shot at us; we threw four grenades into his house and killed him.”
The terrorist belonging to Hamas’ special Nukhba Unit that infiltrated Israel spoke about the massacre they committed in one of the families in Kfar Aza. His testimony was as follows: “We reached a house where a family had taken shelter inside a reinforced room, and we yelled for them to come out, but they were afraid and stayed inside. We set off a small explosive on the iron window, creating a small hole, and threatened to throw a burning cloth inside to suffocate the people inside. As a result, one of the girls inside got scared and opened the window. One of the team members fired a burst of 10 bullets at the mother and her two daughters, aged 18-20. Later, more of us came and fired more shots at them.”
The interrogator asked the terrorist, “Were the girls and the mother armed? And is it allowed to shoot women like this according to the Quran?” The terrorist replied, “None of them were armed, and they didn’t fire at all. We simply slaughtered them. According to the Quran, it’s forbidden.”
An investigator asked one of the terrorists, “Aren’t your actions similar to those of ISIS? Killing civilians indiscriminately is exactly what ISIS does.’ The terrorist replied, “That’s correct; it’s just like ISIS. There’s no difference.”
Another terrorist was asked the same question, and he replied, “There is no difference between what we did and what ISIS does. The brutality is the same.”
Here are the videos:”
—–
I’m not posting them for obvious reasons. You can view them at the link if you choose.
This is why there’s outrage over not calling them what they are. Accuracy matters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dj: I didn’t ask you generally about the political spectrum, I asked you specifically what you consider to be the far or extreme right. It seems that you won’t explicitly say, but from what comes across in what you post here, it seems that you consider the MAGA movement to be the extreme right. The question is ‘Why’?
The MAGA movement is characterized by true conservatism. Faith, family and freedom are pillars of the movement, and it is characterized by adherence to the US Constitution, limited government, low taxes, a strong military, protection of our borders, being pro-life, pro-Israel. It includes not sending billions to Ukraine without true accountability, not starting endless wars. What is extreme about any of those things?
The MAGA movement is now the heart of the Republican Party. Pres. Trump has a 60% rating in the polls, while the other candidates are way behind in single digits (they shouldn’t even bother having another debate). It’s what the great majority of Republican voters want. And Jim Jordan is who they wanted as Speaker. If he can’t be trusted to be Speaker, then who can? (Of those who are now being considered, probably only Byron Donalds.)
LikeLike
Karl Rove column from a few days ago:
~ The Republican calamity continues. …
… The inestimable Rep. Matt Gaetz, who gave America this period of instability and Republicans a PR disaster that could cost them their slim majority in 2024, said this week that “we should put a demand on the Senate to pass our single-subject spending bills.” Nice thought and a worthy cause in theory, but this will go nowhere—especially as an ultimatum from a loudmouth who blocked single-subject appropriations bills when Speaker McCarthy was trying to move legislation that way.
Since the GOP holds only the House, and by only a bare margin, the next Republican speaker must set priorities, focus on the possible, and aim for incremental changes that bend government toward conservative principles. A Freedom Caucus backbencher can demand purity from GOP leadership. But a speaker must aim for the maximum reasonable advance in a conservative direction, not act as if he controls Washington with his gavel.
Any new Republican speaker must be careful about substituting his opinions for those of the House GOP membership writ large. He can try persuading, but given the disunity and anger in the House Republican Caucus, he can no more dictate to them than to President Biden or Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Still, for all the Republicans’ problems, there’s hope: Americans don’t like Democrats either. A Sept. 23 Gallup poll found 56% gave the GOP an unfavorable rating while 58% rated Democrats unfavorably. The saving grace for Republicans is that on big issues, Americans pick the GOP by a large margin.
On which party “will do a better job of keeping the country prosperous,” Americans said Republicans by 53% to 39%, the GOP’s largest lead on this issue since mid-1991. When asked which party “will do a better job of protecting the country from international terrorism and military threats,” Republicans lead Democrats by an even wider margin, 57% to 35%.
Even when voters were asked which party would do a better job “handling the problem you think is most important,” Republicans lead 44% to 36%. This suggests the GOP’s views on such issues as crime and immigration are winners and that the Democratic approach on abortion may not be the surefire hit they think.
While no speaker vote will rescue House Republicans from their current troubles, they still have some things working in their favor. To keep their majority, Republicans must aim for incremental progress. Americans aren’t likely to reward a party that displays contempt for the hard, slow work of coalition building and governing. You can’t blame them. ~
-dj
LikeLiked by 2 people
So they’re going to nominate the Soros plant for R speaker, and then wonder yet again what happened when voters stay home next election.
At this point Trump is the only R getting my vote.
Folks can label me the extreme right if they like. Given the milquetoast and Soros plant crowd in the party, I’m extreme right because the party has become left leaning Democrat lite. You all moved left, I’m standing where I’ve always been. The R party has become like NY and Cali R’s, living in occupied territory and knuckling under to Dems at every turn. So be it.
Just remember, without us, the R party can’t win a national election. This is what your choosing.
Aj
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ty, I appreciate what you’ve asked and I know many MAGA voters are sincere and about their convictions. They include neighbors and, I’m guessing, some fellow church members though not all. We are a church that includes some Democrats.
Politics should not become an idol.
Basically I believe that the “MAGA” leadership, Trump especially but also some of the other most visible leaders of the movement, are not capable of governing from all evidence. Again (I think I’ve expressed this before) I find the character, temperament and general behavior of many of the movement’s leaders a non-starter for me and I believe they’ve so divided the political party they belong to and has damaged the chances of conservatives (who should have been in a much better position than they are now considering how the Democrats have not delivered).
I consider the key MAGA leaders to be reckless, ego-driven and (again) not really capable of knowing how to govern. They have caused many to get caught up in idolatry and even violence, some of whom were well-meaning and had good intentions.
MAGA has run it’s course (I hope) and is now its own worst enemy (only they can’t see that).
It’s time to move on, please.
At this point, the Republican party is in an all-out civil war, cannot even elect a speaker for heaven’s sake. The gang that couldn’t shoot straight. It’s become a travesty.
The Democrats aren’t in great shape, either, but the GOP is literally self-imploding. If anyone thinks that’s a good thing, they’re not understanding US politics or governance.
-dj
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trump?
Trump cares about Trump, it’s all about him.
-dj
LikeLike
On many issues, Ty, we may/probably do agree. But in the hands of MAGA and those who, to me, appear on a power trip at this point, those virtuous issues sadly get lost in the chaos, a means to an end to power for some men (and women). And that’s exactly what that ill-led movement has now let loose on the rest of us.
Do you really think Trump and folks like Gaetz are men of good, honorable and wise and humble character? Because while issues are important, so is a person’s character when a nation is choosing a leader worthy of the people and the position.
-dj
LikeLiked by 1 person
OK, let the scathing attacks of me begin 🙂 -dj
LikeLike
I haven’t been keeping up with the daily political drama, but it seems to me the outlook is not as desperate as I had thought. Trump will probably win handily if RFK and that other Democrat persist in 3rd party bids.
I’m thinking Trump is the only one who will get my vote at this point. DJ is correct that the Republican party is in a civil war and it wouldn’t make sense to me to vote for the side I believe is wrong. Dangerously wrong. So Trump it is.
That being said, we shouldn’t be distraught over these things. The Lord does not leave the big moves of history in our hands. Just as the heart of the king is in his hand to turn as he wishes, so is history itself. When all’s said and done it will be His story as well as ours.
Debra
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would also say that having two political parties has (so far) worked well in this country. Each sometimes do need to balance each other and they can also keep the other in check from going off those tempting cliffs.
We live in a pluralistic society with vast differences of political beliefs, though I’d say most voters fall in the center-right and center-left categories, not on the far ends.
We must vote our conscience and that is left to each of us to determine.
Governing in a two-party system also requires cooperation at many junctures. I requires coalitions, negotiation, cooperation and acceptance when we don’t always get our way. We accept defeat and take our cause to the next election.
No one side will get everything it wants in our system of government, it wasn’t designed that way. Other countries have chosen that route and it never ends well.
So we understand we are to live with our neighbors on the other side of the political divide. Scripture takes that a step beyond to loving our neighbors, and our enemies.
As believers, politics is not our creed.
I think we are called to be good citizens, to be informed, and participate. We won’t always agree. Sometimes we’ll hardly ever agree even when we’re theoretically on the “same side.” It’s been working so far, but it’s never perfect and never will be.
But we need two healthy, working political parties lest it descend into a brawl.
-dj
LikeLike
And as Debra said, God’s will prevails, in both big and small things. He raises up and He deposes leaders.
His providence also allows for judgment to be meted out on nations, perhaps by allowing them to willfully go their way. I hope that’s not what we’re witnessing in this social and political era, but history will tell that story. -dj
LikeLiked by 2 people
Compromise was the word and idea I meant also to also convey as needed in our form of government, both within the parties and between them. -dj
LikeLike
I think it might be a good time to rewatch It’s a Beautiful Life..
LikeLike
AJ – re: this, from your first post, to Kevin –
“Most could care less whether they capitalize “war”.
I’m surprised that was your takeaway.
But the part that Kevin mentioned was in this part of that you had quoted from the piece, indicating that it had some importance to you (or why bother including it in the quote?):
“The reporters also cannot capitalize the word war. It has to be the “Israel-Hamas war.” Why?
“Lowercase the word war,” the AP explained. “AP capitalizes that word only as part of a formal name, which as of now does not exist.”
Are. You. Kidding. Me. Israel *literally* declared war on Hamas. It is *literally* a war.”
LikeLike
Debra – re: “The Lord does not leave the big moves of history in our hands. Just as the heart of the king is in his hand to turn as he wishes, so is history itself. When all’s said and done it will be His story as well as ours.”
Indeed. I’ve tried to make that point before, but it didn’t go over well. 🙂
LikeLike
AJ, that wasn’t my only takeaway, but I chose to comment on the part about capitalizing “war” for these reasons:
1. The author made a big deal about it.
2. You included that big deal in your quotation.
3. It’s an example of what I have observed at both ends of the spectrum. The mountains that deserve outrage get muddied up by all the attention paid to stupid molehills.
Another example was from a couple years ago when Bill Barr dared to (gasp!) compare vaccine mandates to slavery. I said the same thing then, it was a stupid thing to be outraged about. What he said was that vaccine mandates were the worst infringement of American liberty other than slavery. So, yes, he compared vaccine mandates to slavery, but clearly judging slavery worse, so what was the outrage for?
So I chose capitalizing war as a perfect example of being outraged about stupid things.
I agree that much of the reporting has been outrageously inaccurate and slanted. I don’t see how fussing about side issues strengthens that stand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for clarifying that Kevin.
The “war” thing was just part of the text I shared, but my point was labeling them what they are, terrorists. My second point was what a joke the AP “stylebook” is.
It’s just politically correct trash.
The media is far to gentle with Hamas in most cases. Accuracy matters.
LikeLike
Kevin, I would take minor issue with the overall media-covering-war assessment. I try to look at a number of outlets so coverage varies, of course. And it also varies day to day as news cycles pick up the latest nuances, including reactions worldwide to what is going on. Sometimes, not always stories are blown and mishandled. Corrections and clarifications then should come quickly and be sincere from those outlets.
But “the media” is not a monolith, we all need to work to find trustworthy sources and rely primarily on those.
And I will say that reporters trying to cover a war unfolding in real time is no easy task. There have been (and will be) failures to be sure. But the task itself is beyond difficult (and dangerous to boot).
But thanks also for your participation here, much appreciated and I wish others would also choose to participate, variety is good for all of us to see and hear 🙂 -dj
LikeLiked by 1 person