Friday, July 11, 2025

Curses, Conned Again!

What is this so-called Big, Beautiful Bill About? I took some time to browse the internet to find a simple explanation, free from the arrogance often expressed by GOP & MAGA supporters. These are the "Trumpicons", not the Republicans of old. They have no consideration for God, Family, and the Republic; instead, they fall in line like zombies and the Borg. Yes, I even used AI. We can’t believe everything we see and read. Conduct your research and make an informed decision.

 

What’s in the Bill?

 

Tax Cuts Extended & Expanded.

Makes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent.

Adds new breaks (e.g., tax-free tips, overtime pay, higher child tax credit, and a Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) between the USA & Russia. (Hmmm) Tax cuts deduction cap raised to $40K/$80K). 

Sources: usahousinginformation.com, en.wikipedia.org, houstonchronicle.com

 

Significant Spending Cuts & Work Rules

 

Drastically reduces federal funding for Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and green energy programs.

Introduces strict work requirements (e.g., 80 hours/month for Medicaid recipients). 

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, vox.com, ijr.com, houstonchronicle.com, people.com, 

theguardian.com, ijr.com, indianexpress.com, Defense & Border Security Boost

 

Funds inject tens of billions into defense ($150B) and border enforcement ($70B+), including wall funding, ICE/CBP hires, and new surveillance. 

Sources: usahousinginformation.com, en.wikipedia.org, disruptarian.com, Green Energy Rollbacks.

 

Phases out clean-energy tax credits (for EVs, solar, and wind), significantly affecting energy costs and job creation.

Sources: 100percentfedup.com, houstonchronicle.com, time.com, vanityfair.com, indianexpress.com, usahousinginformation.com

 

Social Security, Medicare Cuts & Elder Care

 

Across-the-board 4% Medicare cuts starting in 2026, which could risk hospital resources and rural care.

 

Middle-to-upper-income seniors will benefit temporarily from the $6K/$12K deduction. Fewer taxes in the short term.

 

Low-income and vulnerable seniors will face increased healthcare & drug costs, reduced Medicaid/Medicare benefits, and food assistance rollbacks. 

 

Long-term care sector Nursing homes face delayed staffing mandates but squeezed funding overall, potentially leading to closures or cutbacks.

All seniors (long-term) will face a fiscal drag from the bill, which could further pressure Social Security’s sustainability.

 

If your income qualifies, prepare to maximize the senior deduction—but remember it expires after 2028.

 

Anticipate higher healthcare costs if you're low-income or rely on Medicaid/Medicare Savings Programs.

 

Watch for state-level rule changes—implementation of Medicaid cuts will vary by state and could be phased in over time.

 

Sources: Kiplinger.com, Bipartisan Policy Center, Skilled Nursing News, ssa.gov, Forbes.com

 

Other Policy Moves

 

Limits state regulation of AI. Adds border-crime penalties. Restricts funding for gender-affirming care, abortion providers, and non-profit tax status for those supporting terrorism

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, kiplinger.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, disruptarian.com, 

indivisiblebc.org

 

How Did This Law Pass? Why Does It Matter?


It utilized the budget reconciliation process, meaning it only required a simple majority in the Senate (51 votes), thereby avoiding the usual 60-vote requirement. In my opinion, crooked people do crooked things. They knew the bill wouldn’t get through. What’s done in the dark will be exposed. Many of you voted for these people.

Sources: washingtonpost.com, 100percentfedup.com, theguardian.com

 

Senate passage was tight. Vice President JD Vance broke a 50‑50 tie.

Sources: ijr.com, theguardian.com, nypost.com

 

Major Concerns & Criticism

 

Huge deficit: Adds $2.4–3.8 trillion to the national debt over 10 years. Didn’t this happen with Trump leaving office with more debt than we came in?

Healthcare losses: Up to 11 million people could lose Medicaid, with studies warning of thousands more deaths annually.

Source: vox.com

 

Unpopular cuts: Roughly 55% of Americans oppose the bill, while only 29% supported it. I’m sure that number will drop lower when they are affected.

Sources: time.com, govfacts.org

 

Environmental and social fallout: Clean-energy rollbacks, limits on rights for transgender care and abortion funding spur intense backlash

Sources: indianexpress.com, en.wikipedia.org

 

Why Call It “Beautiful”? Nothing beautiful about taking advantage of people and watching them suffer.

 

Supporters say it’s a streamlined, powerhouse package that locks in tax relief, boosts defense and border security, and forces federal spending discipline. The name is partly branding meant to signal simplicity and scope.

 

What Happens Next?

 

The Senate passed its version by July 1, 2025, and sent it to the House for final approval.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, nypost.com

 

The House and Senate must reconcile their differences (such as the SALT cap and Medicare provisions) before the bill can be signed into law.

Democrats should weaponize this “Disgusting Bill’s” unpopularity in the 2026 midterms. We shall see.

Sources: indivisiblebc.org, time.com, kiplinger.com

 

This is a mega‑bill that mixes significant tax cuts for individuals and businesses with deep spending cuts to healthcare and green energy, alongside massive funding for defense and border control. Passed through a shortcut that only required a simple Senate majority, it’s already drawing fierce opposition—from lawmakers, public opinion, and financial watchdogs—because of its projected impact on deficits and vulnerable Americans. Whether it becomes law depends on final votes and political pushback in the next few weeks.

Sources: Kiplinger, New York Post

 

            There are other significant issues that we as Americans will face, such as student loans, tariffs, and deportation. Let’s reflect on the challenges or solutions that lie ahead.

 

The Student Loan Crisis

The rising cost of higher education in the United States has left millions of Americans burdened with student loan debt. As of 2025, over 43 million borrowers owe a collective $1.7 trillion, with many unable to make significant progress in repayment due to stagnant wages and inflated interest rates.

Student loans impact not only individual borrowers but also the broader economy. Young adults delay buying homes, starting families, or investing in businesses due to financial insecurity. While efforts like the Biden administration’s partial debt relief and income-driven repayment plans have provided some relief, long-term solutions remain politically divisive. Critics argue that widespread forgiveness is unfair to those who have paid off their loans. However, supporters maintain that accessible higher education is a public good and that debt relief could stimulate economic growth. It could happen if the economic playing field were level. The playbook is biased and corrupt. A sustainable path forward could include tuition-free community collegeinterest-free federal loans, and expanded Pell Grants to ensure education doesn’t come with a lifetime financial penalty.

Tariffs and Trade

Tariffs have been a controversial tool in U.S. economic policy, especially since the Trump administration's trade war with China. While designed to protect American industries from foreign competition, tariffs often result in higher prices for consumers and strained international relations.

Many Americans support tariffs to revive domestic manufacturing and create jobs. However, these policies can backfire. For example, tariffs on steel and aluminum increased production costs for U.S. companies that rely on those materials. Additionally, retaliatory tariffs imposed by other nations have harmed American farmers and exporters.

Moving forward, the challenge lies in striking a balance between economic protectionism and global competitiveness. Smart trade policy should include targeted tariffs, labor standards, including wages, and investment in domestic innovation rather than broad-based import taxes. American economic strength should come not from isolation but from competing fairly on a global stage.

Deportation and Immigration

Immigration has always been a cornerstone of American identity, but the debate over deportation and border security remains deeply divisive. Mass deportations, family separations, and detention center conditions have sparked national and international outrage in recent years.

Supporters of strict deportation policies argue that enforcing immigration laws is essential for national security and economic stability. On the other hand, opponents highlight the humanitarian cost and economic contributions of undocumented immigrants, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades, work essential jobs, and pay taxes.

A fair immigration policy should prioritize legal pathways to citizenship, protection for DACA recipients and asylum seekers, and humane enforcement. Rather than relying solely on deportation, the U.S. can invest in modernizing immigration courts, creating more efficient visa processes, and addressing root causes in migrants' home countries.

These three issues, student loans, tariffs, and deportation, highlight the complexity of American policy challenges. They are not isolated topics, but interconnected threads in the fabric of American life. Solving them will require empathy, compromise, and long-term thinking that prioritizes both individual well-being and national prosperity.

            There exists no new phenomenon under the sun; however, this blatant denial of rights for American citizens is therefore unsurprising to people of color. What could possibly motivate others to vote in favor of the convicted individual in the White House other than a lack of support for a woman who knows the law? He uses his authority to suppress, threaten, and bully the judicial and legislative branches of government like a sadistic tyrant. He governs as one of the corrupt leaders of the past. These are trying times, but if we keep our faith in God and pray together as one nation, who knows? Prayer can change things. 

 

Saturday, July 5, 2025

It's Your Anniversary America!

Many Americans will be observing the celebration of the United States' Independence this weekend. The festivities include fireworks, music, barbecues, and the donning of red, white, and blue attire. Citizens will reflect on the sacrifices made by others and remain mindful of the events that transpired centuries ago in American history, specifically the wars fought and the lives lost in the struggle against the tyrannical English monarchy. Following an arduous battle that resulted in numerous casualties among Americans and British forces, representatives from the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On August 2, 1776, fifty-six representatives signed it. Six of these signatories affixed their signatures for approximately 18 months. Nevertheless, an official declaration of independence, the pursuit of happiness, and the principle that all men are created equal were proclaimed. But were all men equal?

As of July 4, 2025, a significant and comprehensive budget bill has been enacted by a figure of American origin, illustrating the notion that equality among individuals and citizens is not universally upheld. The authorities in our government appear to continue their celebrations, perceiving their actions as fulfilling the desires of the dictator by this date. Over 16 million American citizens are expected to endure hardships due to the lack of health insurance, food shortages, reduced assistance programs, housing insecurity, and diminished retirement benefits. Is there anyone within this demographic who would find such circumstances worth celebrating? Does this outcome align with the principles envisioned by the signers of the Declaration of Independence? A nation founded by immigrants and enslaved individuals demonstrates an unusual manner of expressing appreciation through the neglect and erasure of its historical origins and the deportation of these groups. The Republican Party appears to have diminished its respect for divine principles, the family unit, and the nation itself. 

Regarding the issue of freedom, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which addressed the issue of slavery. However, the enslaved individuals in Texas were not informed of this until June 19, 1865. General Gordon Grainger of the Union arrived and announced their emancipation. Texas was the final Confederate territory to become aware of and communicate this information to the enslaved population. The full details may remain unknown.

I question whether politicians who endorsed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” fully appreciated how this detrimental budget legislation diminishes the financial standing of the middle class and impoverished populations, whilst augmenting the wealth of the affluent and the national budget. This legislation does not generate savings; rather, it exacerbates the deficit by diminishing funds allocated for social programs intended to support education, families, and the nation. These politicians have entered into a harmful agreement, and when consequences unfold, it will not be prudent to delay repentance. Will their constituents continue to support them, or will they recall the sense of betrayal they experienced during the midterm elections? I do know that God is in control and will rule the land with justice and peace. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV states “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” We must believe that God keeps His promises. It’s up to us to get on our knees and pray.

 

 

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Warfare Between the Flesh and the Spirit!

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, everyone! I've reached a point where my actions no longer make sense, even to me. Each morning, I make it a habit to read my Bible and other spiritual teachings. Last week, I began exploring the Holy Spirit, who is part of the Holy Trinity. I understand enough not to overstep the mystery of the three in One, but I was eager to learn more about the Spirit’s nature. For the past two weeks, I've been praying to be guided by the Spirit, who hears and intercedes for our salvation. However, this week, I’ve hit a bit of a spiritual wall that’s left me feeling puzzled about my thoughts and actions.

I'm generally a very organized person, but I am rigid at times. I hadn't realized how challenging it can be when things don't go as planned or don't align with my expectations. Recently, I had to accept two rescheduled appointments, even though I wasn't excited about it. I also tried replanting my vegetables, which was a bit stressful and almost damaged them. I was a little disappointed because, despite growing nicely and producing fruit, the veggies had outgrown their containers. I even considered spraying pesticides to protect them from pests, but I wanted to keep them organic. I looked for safe homemade remedies to deal with the mites or bugs, but I couldn't find any that worked.

I’m not finished yet. I took my car in for an oil change, and anyone who's ever been through the process of visiting an auto repair shop knows that preventative maintenance can sometimes be more complicated than expected. I left my vehicle at the shop for the first time in years because my wife and I had an appointment to attend. I was hoping the car would be ready when we returned in a few hours. Instead, I received a text from the service department informing me that they had found a leak in the power steering line and would contact my insurance company to determine if it was covered under warranty. In the past, I have not encountered any issues. After some time, the agent texted that the claim was denied.

I went home and searched for my contract, but I couldn’t find it. I then tried to download it online, but that didn’t work either. So, I called the company, and they informed me that they were experiencing issues with their computers and couldn’t open any documents. They did mention they had received a request from the dealership, but I was puzzled as to why the request was denied when no one could review the documents. They couldn’t explain it. It made me wonder if it would be easier to tell the agent that the computers are down and to call back later. I was also thinking about where the honest, reliable workers are in this business. Are you following me so far? To add to the frustration, my wife kindly took me to the dealership to pick up my car, even though I was planning to return it after the weekend once I contacted the warranty company. I wanted the service agent to show me where I might need to refill the power steering fluid. When we looked under the hood, I noticed that the container wasn’t even secured—an easy fix, but it just didn’t seem right. I don’t want to drive anything loose, especially in the engine, on these busy roads. So, I decided to leave the car there—it was enough for one day. I didn’t take it off searching for part numbers, the service department did.

My dear wife wasn’t spared from my anxiety, and she often endured my struggles. We went for a walk on Saturday morning, though not together. I was wrestling with the inner conflict between my flesh and the Spirit. During that walk, the truth became clear—I wasn’t aligning my will with God's. My frustration and anxiety showed that I was hoping God’s Will would match mine. Sometimes I wonder, who do I think I am? I asked to learn about the Spirit, but I was still expecting everything to happen my way. No wonder I felt so frustrated and exhausted. My mind has been resisting the Spirit, and I’ve broken many spiritual laws—so many that it would take pages to list them all. I have a good, loving woman who does not deserve this type of behavior from me. The walk was my wife’s idea to get me out of the house. By the time we returned, her stomach was upset because of me.

As I continue to grow spiritually, I understand the importance of disciplining myself to live fully in the spirit and surrender my mind to that spiritual guidance. Currently, I find myself in a challenging situation with my wife, having made a mistake that I deeply regret. I am grateful that God's grace is giving me another chance to do better. I want to focus my thoughts on what is above, rather than on earthly concerns. Truly, I need to transform my mind to align with what is spiritual and avoid being shaped by worldly thoughts. I will continue praying for the Holy Spirit to lead me. 

The Greatest Gift of All!

I’m part of a community where many of us find the holidays challenging and overwhelming. I realize I’m not alone in this—during my therapy s...