My Son Changed My Mind

My son changed my mind. And woke me up.

I have two sons. I love them both dearly and I think, at least, I have a good relationship with them both. One thinks like I do on most things, and we have a very similar worldview. The other is diametrically opposed to my worldview, and we often clash as we do not see eye-to-eye on how things ought to be. Neither of them have any fear opposing me when we disagree on something. Interestingly, the opposition came from the one who usually agrees with me.

Well, not opposition. Rather, a different perspective.

Yesterday, I wrote a post saying that while I was not abandoning the only social media platform I use, I was no longer going to make political posts there. I was moving to the newly popular, ever-growing site, Parler. I have created an account there, and do intend to use it.

Facebook has become a monster. Twitter has been a sewage dump for years now. It's putrid and nasty and filled with people who can barely pronounce their own name, let alone come up with a cohesive and coherent thought. I hate everything about it. Hashtags come really close to summing up all that is wrong with the world. It's dumbed-down approach has been co-opted by the mainstream media as actual news reporting. It's repulsive.

But Facebook, really up until the last year, had remained relatively benign. Sure, it became inundated with ads, incessant "suggestions," and still housed many of the same trolls who blather around on Twitter. But the platform allowed for more rational thought, and allowed for more thorough and coherent back and forth between its users.

But in the last year, solely for the purposes of influencing the election, it not only seriously ramped up its spying on its users, but began censoring the free speech it had once championed to serve it's own bias and political views. It has employed "fact checkers," which are nothing of the sort, but rather Liberal media hordes who believe and pretend they know everything better than we do and cannot allow opposing thought. In essence, it has basically become state-run media, following the whim of the liberal ideology, censoring and axing anything they don't agree with. Liberalism, at its core, does not in any way tolerate opposing thought, despite their claims otherwise, and they've hi-jacked the most popular social media platforms and turned them into little else than the traditional mainstream media trash we see and read everyday.

Clear enough, yet?

As such, Conservatives are staging a mass exodus from Facebook and Twitter to some new, up and coming platforms, including Parler, that promise true freedom of speech. Parler has been so inundated with new members it keeps crashing their system. YouTube is beginning to see the same exodus as it too is beginning to censor the videos of Conservatives. Conservatives are fed up, as they should be, and are seeking outlets where they can truly exercise their right to free speech.

You can read my FB post here if you wish, but my son, who is a Conservative, commented that he disagreed with my decision, and then wrote this...

"The left will do whatever they have to to silence conservatives, and if they can just lock them over on their own platform, then that solves their problem. Force them to lie and cheat, and hopefully that will enlighten some people. If all conservatives leave, then FB can claim to be 100% for freedom of speech on their platform. Don’t let them off the hook, make them fact check truth... I’ll make FB kick me off before I post exclusively on Parler. Now I can enjoy myself a little more over there, having some more fun at the left's expense, but if I hide there, the left wins."

He's absolutely right.

Many years ago in the early 2000's, the Mrs. and I were trying to decide if we wanted to remove our children from public school and place them in a private, Christian school. We sought the advice of many friends, professionals, and others whose advice we valued. My pastor at the time had school-aged children and they were still enrolled in public school. I asked him one day why he hadn't sent his children to Christian school. His response has stuck with me to this day:

{Paraphrasing} "I'm not ready to give up on public school yet. In fact, I would say that part of the problem with public school now is that too many Christians have bailed on it."

It was a sobering and thought-provoking response. He was dead-on accurate. We decided to go ahead and remove our kids from public school anyway. And while I don't fully regret that decision, looking back I see that my pastor was right. And public school is just one example.

It has been the habit of Conservatives in general, and Christians in particular, to simply walk-away when the morals and standards of something erode beyond our own scruples. I'm guilty of it. Instead of staying and fighting for what we know to be right and good, we create our own little rooms and spaces where we can all join together and gripe about how bad things have become outside.

In essence, we have become the very snowflakes we so derisively chide in the Liberal crowds. It's easy for us to post a meme about some liberal whacko whiner who can't handle things in the real world, but then, what are we really DOING about it?

We don't break the law. Which is to say we don't riot and loot when we don't get our way, or when the government strips away yet another God-given and Constitution-promised right, or when the media tells us we should be outraged at some false narrative. That's a good thing, the right thing. But what do we do otherwise? Do we stand and fight? Do we demand more of our elected representatives, and demand they hold to their campaign promises? Do we stand up to tyranny and refuse to allow evil to take over?

Not usually. Instead of holding others accountable for their putrid behavior, we do the "Christian" thing, where we blame ourselves for not "loving" everybody enough, and we accuse each other of being too judgmental and then we just walk away. We create a new space where our like-minded brothers and sisters can reside while bashing those who think differently than us and lament that they've taken away our freedoms. As the old Petra song says, we sit inside our "rose colored, stained glass windows, never allowing the world to come in."

Meanwhile, society is crumbling around us. And we sit by and watch it all happen.

Lately, I have suffered some personal and professional blowback because of my political postings. While I have never once logged a complaint about a colleague with their employer, complained to a pastor about a brother or sister, or cut off a friendship because of someone's political beliefs, unfortunately, I have recently not been afforded the same courtesies. My character been questioned. My professional ethics have been questioned. And my faith has been questioned. All because I believe in Conservative ideals and am not afraid to speak my mind.

Please understand, I'm not crying full-on persecution. But the blowback has recently caused me to pull back. Taking a moment to really think and analyze what you want to say is a good thing. Taking care to word things in such a way as the message will be heard rather than rejected is a good thing. Being cautious not to offend if it can be avoided is wise. But staying silent goes against every fiber of my being. And I have recently resisted speaking out at times for fear of more blowback when I might otherwise have spoken.

I allowed my dissenters to convince me that I shouldn't be so public about my beliefs. I allowed them to scare me away from the platform. It has eaten at me now for a couple months.

My son commented further in my post yesterday in response to another's comment: "...don’t abandon the fight. You’ll never win any arguments or change any minds if you don’t have the fights where people who don’t agree with you (can) see them. And what’s really the point? To change minds or just to get people to agree with you?"

Whoa... that's heavy. Am I hoping to change minds and hearts, or just have talking heads nod yes to me?

Thanks son, for setting me straight. I'm not gonna run away. I'm going to stay in the fight.

Facebook is just one little battle in the war. But it's an important battle because it has millions of eyes upon it. I'm still going to migrate to Parler and use the platform. There's value in having the space to speak freely and galvanize like minds. I intend to use it.

But stand with me, will you? Stay and fight with me. Together, we might just change some minds.

Like mine was, yesterday.

Life to the Fullest!

I was gonna write a new political post today. I still will, but probably not today.

Instead, I have more important things on my mind this morning. In the past several days, there has been two significant events take place in my close family, and, as these things usually do, they put things back into perspective a bit.

Every now and then, we have to get bopped on the head and reminded that some things in life are vitally important. And other things -- eh, not so much.

First, my wife and I welcome the arrival of our first Grand Baby. Miss Victoria Uhls. She is tiny, and beautiful, and even though we are nearly 600 miles away, we are already in love. Congratulations to my son, Cody, and his beautiful wife, Alana, and their first child. We are so proud of them.

I haven't gotten to hold little Vic in my arms yet, but I remember holding my children for the first time. And breaking down in tears at the realization of how much love I actually had to give. I suspect the same thing will happen with Vic. And the next... And the next...

Interestingly, Miss Victoria has two middle names: Kenlyn... which is a hybrid of the names of two of Mommy's best friends. And Bryce, to honor our dear friend and brother, Bryce Mansfield, who we lost way too soon some years back, and to whom Daddy was super close. Kinda cool, yeah?

Sometime soon, I will get to hold Baby Vic myself. But what I'm looking forward to even more is watching GiGi get to hold her for the first time. Ginger's eyes sparkle in a way like no other when she holds babies. She loves them -- has a special connection, like, the Baby Whisperer or something. Watching her hold our boys was something magical. I can't wait to see how they shine when she holds her first grandchild.

And in that moment, I will be reminded of all that is good about our world. Love and compassion and joy and adoration. In that moment I will not be thinking about politics, or any of the other ugliness that is so readily available to our eyes and ears and minds every day. I will be totally wrapped up in Baby Vic and all the love that will be surrounding her in that moment.

I'm looking forward to it.

Also this week, a tragic accident befell some dear, close family members of mine. As of now, while they have some healing to do, it looks as though everything will be OK in the end. "OK in the end," is relative, of course, as we all have more pain and hurt and tragedy lined up for us some time in the future. It's unavoidable. Not "if" but "when." The question is how we deal with that tragedy when it comes.

This accident could have been far worse. And we are all thankful it was not. My heart is breaking and I have shed tears trying to imagine -- and yet utterly failing to do so -- what their pain and hurt must feel like. This event would break weaker people. It won't break them. They are strong, loving, caring, God-fearing people. They will survive.

But it serves as a reminder of how delicate life hangs in the balance. Things can change in an instant. And we have very little control over it. More often than not, it's through no fault of our own. And yet, we are left with the idea that we can only control what WE do, and how WE live.

Ginger and I moved to the ocean almost four years ago now because we wanted to enjoy life in the moment. We have learned that life is not promised tomorrow, and so we want to live today and enjoy it while we can. We realized that we'd been talking about moving to the ocean for nearly 25 years, and if we weren't careful, we'd be sitting around another 10 or 20 years still talking about the same thing -- if we lived that long.

You see, the Bible tells us that Satan prowls around in the night like a lion seeking whom he can devour. Scripture says that it is Satan who comes to steal and kill and destroy. But, Praise God!... The Bible says Jesus came to overcome the world, and to give life fuller, more abundantly!

I want some of that! Life more abundantly!

Satan tried to kill my family member the other night, and God swooped in and saved them. For what reason? I don't know, and frankly, I don't care. God's decision is good enough for me. God's will was that they had more time, and a story to tell. Someday soon, my family will have a rocking testimony about God's saving grace. They'll be able to tell the world about how thousands of people within hours rallied to pray for them, and that God heard those prayers.

But you know what? Sometimes God doesn't swoop in, and often we don't know why. Sometimes, Satan's attack proves fatal. That's what happens in war. Sometimes, the good guys die. And so what do we do then?

First, we realize God saves. He saves no matter our sins and weaknesses, and usually saves in spite of them. And that salvation comes with a forgiveness that is true and thorough and eternal. No strings, no conditions. "I forgive you." Done, and over with. And we don't have to perform like circus monkeys to get it.

Second, we understand God's will is often beyond our understanding. Often, we can do little else but rest in the assurance that God is sovereign, and that His plan is bigger and better and stronger than our own. And we rest in that assurance that all things work out for the good of those who love him, even if we don't understand what's going on at the time.

And in that assurance we owe it to our Creator and to ourselves to live life to the fullest. Each and every day. Tell our friends and family how much we love them before the chance passes us by. Walk that beach or climb that mountain or enjoy that sunset and sunrise hand-in-hand. And mostly, to share the Good News of God's saving forgiveness.

Satan attacks us all in different ways every day. Even when you live by the ocean! But we choose to accept life more abundantly. And every blessing, and every accident, teaches us more about what that really means. Today, I'm thankful. For both the blessing of a new grandchild, and the accident that will bring me and my family closer to each other, and closer to God.

And I will be thankful again tomorrow, regardless of whether a blessing or a tragedy comes my way. 

If it Doesn't Make Sense, it Probably isn't True.

My favorite television show of all time is Judge Judy. Hey, don't judge. I am who I am.

When litigating cases, Judge Judy says something fairly often; "If it doesn't make sense, it probably isn't true." Now, I'm not saying Judge Judy is the end-all, be-all authority, but now in my 50+ years of this merry-go-round of life, I've found this to be pretty accurate. I would suspect most of you have as well.

So, I ask you these questions:

Does it make sense that a record number of people -- over 70 million -- would vote for one of the least popular, and least productive candidates the Democrat party has every put forth?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man who is at least accused of, and at worst, actually guilty of, many of the same things they claim to hate Donald Trump for?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man whose actual nickname is "Creepy Joe."

Does it make sense that 70 million people voted for a man who could barely get 100 people to show up at his rallies?

Does it make sense that 70 million people voted for a man who promised to raise their taxes?

Does it make sense that 70 million Americans voted for a man who claims to have Socialist desires, and is backed by openly Socialist people?

Does it make sense that 70 million people voted for a man who -- on video -- said he was withholding financial aid to a foreign country in lieu of political favors, when they just tried to impeach a President for allegedly doing the same thing (with no evidence, to boot.)

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man they already rejected no less than three different times as a Presidential candidate before?

Does it make sense that 70 million people voted for a man who was forced to drop out of a previous Presidential race because of corruption?

Does it make sense that 70 million Americans love politicians that much that they would vote for a nearly 50-year career politician?

Does it make sense that at 3:00 am the morning after the election, one candidate was solidly leading in two different states that he would go on to lose not 12 hours later?

Does it make sense that voting procedures -- including absentee and mail-in voting -- were changed in numerous cities and states on-the-fly, as it were, in the past several months and yet there could be no mistakes in the systems, let alone fraud?

Does it make sense that fraud didn't occur under such circumstances?

Does it make sense that an incumbent would be defeated in such a robust economy when that has never happened before in the history of our country?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man whose family is so corrupt they literally have to go into hiding?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man who used his political office to procure illegal jobs in foreign countries for his alcoholic son? Jobs that paid millions of dollars in salary to someone who had no previous experience in the industry?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man where proof exists he lied about taking illegal kickbacks from a foreign country?

Does it make sense that 70 million people voted for the previous Vice-President of a failed administration that was wrought with scandal?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man who openly supported rioting and looting in the streets?

Does it make sense that 70 million Americans would vote for a man who supported disrespect for our military, supports policies that weaken our military, and served in an administration who allowed foreign enemies to subvert our military?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man who so clearly has elderly medical issues and has no chance of serving a 2nd term?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for the prospect of having Kamela Harris take over as President rather than Mike Pence?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man who loves to inappropriately touch and nuzzle little kids?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man who promised to end the oil industry as we know it -- in places like Pennsylvania, no less?

Does it make sense that 70 million people would vote for a man who promised to shut down the country again and force everyone to wear masks all the time?

Does it make sense that election result trends have completely reversed this year?

Does it make sense that a global pandemic hit during an election year causing a defeated political party to radically change the voting rules on the spot?

Does it make any sense that millions of ballots continue to be found and counted now days after the election and they all just happen to favor Joe Biden by over a 75% margin?

I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Does anyone with half a brain, Democrat or Republican really believe that Joe Biden got an all-time record 70 million votes legally?

It makes absolutely no sense. And if it doesn't make sense, it probably isn't true.

I'm Just Tired of it All.

Like many of you, I'm ready for this year's election to be over. Mostly, I'm just tired of it all.

I'm tired of all the lies. From BOTH sides of the aisle.

I'm tired of being told that because I'm passionate about my politics that I don't love Jesus enough.

I'm tired of people's absolute refusal to see the truth for what it is.

I'm tired of defending a man to my Christian friends whose political policies in the past 4 years have done nothing but favor the Christian community, including the monumental moving of our US embassy back to Jerusalem and the equally monumental appointing of three conservative judges to the Supreme Court.

I'm tired of being told that speaking out against the evils of killing babies is not "inclusive" or "tolerant" or "loving."

I'm tired of watching millions of people believe a man who has been a member of the Washington establishment for into 5 DECADES, and as such is a source of most of the problems our country now faces, will now miraculously create the solutions to all those problems if elected President.

I'm tired of wearing masks.

I'm tired of being told "just wear the damn mask," when there is no definitive data whatsoever that they achieve the desired effect.

I'm tired of people believing our President had anything to do with this virus.

I'm tired of people thinking they could have done anything different than the President did to contain it.

I'm tired of people believing the virus is as bad as so-called "experts" say it is.

I'm tired of being labeled a bigot, racist, and a homophobe when there is literally no evidence to suggest I am.

I'm tired of my President being labeled a bigot, a racist, and a homophobe when there is literally no evidence to suggest he is.

I'm tired of people distorting the definitions of "bigot" and "racist" and "homophobe" to fit their own agendas.

I'm tired of violent, criminal behavior being excused in the name of social justice.

I'm tired of being labeled "insensitive" and "un-loving" when I demand that violent, criminal behavior be dealt with in the appropriate manner.

I'm tired of our frontline heroes being berated, beat, fired, and killed for doing their jobs in the line of duty.

I'm tired of people completely ignoring evidence every time someone suffers the consequences of their criminal behavior at the hands of law enforcement.

I'm tired of being accused of not thinking black lives matter if I don't support Black Lives Matter.

I'm tired of people being so possessive of their creed when in truth, ALL lives really do matter.

I'm tired of people believing that every shooting of a black criminal is immediately racially motivated.

I'm tired of minorities having to face discrimination from anyone simply because they're a minority.

I'm tired of being made to feel bad because I'm white.

I'm tired of certain individuals and organizations trying to label us all as "haters" instead of holding accountable the few who truly are for their own stupidity.

I'm tired of Democrat leaders in Washington getting away with illegal behavior time and again.

I'm tired of everyone getting so easily offended, usually for no reason.

I'm tired of being told you can vote for someone, yet not support their policies.

I'm tired of being told Jesus didn't care about politics, and didn't participate in them.

I'm tired of Democrat politicians' willingness to completely ruin people's lives just because they don't get their way.

I'm tired of Christians who preach forgiveness being unwilling to allow our President to move on from his past.

I'm tired of apologizing for Donald Trump. He is who he is and he has never pretended to be something he's not. I respect that.

I'm tired of being told my support for our President means I don't love Jesus.

I'm tired of explaining to people I'm not voting for a Pastor, I'm voting for a President.

I'm tired of being told by people who preach the value in the separation of church and state that I shouldn't vote for a President if he isn't a Pastor.

I'm tired of Christians ignoring the truth that in the historical record of the Bible, God routinely used un-Godly people to accomplish Godly goals.

I'm tired of all the political ads.

I'm tired of people choosing to ignore simple economics.

I'm tired of the Cowboys sucking so bad.

I'm tired of people trying to convince us that America isn't great, and never was.

I'm tired of people trying to convince me that since we are not God's "chosen people," that we are not a Christian nation founded on Biblical principles.

I'm tired of people conveniently forgetting that we are a country that was founded by men who were believers in the God of the Bible.

I'm tired of Democrats' lies that claim Republicans want to take away healthcare and get rid of social security.

I'm tired of people not understanding the concept of "legal" immigration.

I'm tired of people disrespecting our flag and the men and women who died for our freedom, and then trying to convince us they're not doing so.

I'm tired of people believing that social media is somehow inherently evil. Social media didn't create anything. It simply provides a platform.

I'm tired of the complete ignorance in the desire to vote for someone who is promising to raise your taxes.

I'm tired of people believing in the same "polls" that lied to us in 2016.

I'm tired of people not realizing that today's media is nothing but reality television who's goal it is to influence us to believe a certain way.

I'm tired of people believing Jim Acosta is an actual journalist.

I'm tired of the phrase "War on Women." There is no such thing and nobody can define what it means anyway.

I'm tired of being told I shouldn't worry because Jesus is in control and is the ultimate victor. I know that, and believe it. But I'd just as soon my kids and grandkids not have to suffer because of stupid political ideology when I have the ability to influence it with a wise vote.

I'm tired of people ignoring the accomplishments of a man simply because they hate him so much.

I'm tired of people hating him so much.

Mostly, I'm just tired of it all.