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Why Do Government Policies Seem to End in Death?

May 5, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

Why Do Government Policies Seem to End in Death?

One of the fallouts from people’s discretionary income being taken away from them due to inflation is that things regular people used to do to support society through charity and responsible pet ownership also goes away. Back in the time of Henry VIII, Henry VIII declared himself the head of the church then raided the monasteries. The monasteries supported the poor; Henry VIII and elites who profited from the money seized did not.

It seems every time the government volunteers to replace the philanthropy of the people and do the job itself, it fails. They don’t want to use the money for the people it was allocated for — they want to use it on themselves and for their own agendas. Very quickly it becomes their money. The intended recipients become a burden they can’t afford to support. Soon, like a corrupt person who takes money in the form of a loan from a third party, they begin to think if that person weren’t around they wouldn’t need to repay. You can see that in healthcare and in Social Security. In health care, there are the POST (POLST) and MOST (MOLST) forms in most states all over the country, which encourage the chronically ill or those not anticipated to live past a set period of time to forgo things like antibiotics, food, and water. For example, New York’s MOLST form states, “This Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form is generally for patients with advanced illness who require long-term care services

and/or who might die within 1-2 years.* The MOLST may also be used for individuals who wish to avoid and/or receive specific life-sustaining treatments.”

Criteria differs per state. Many require some sort of signature from the patient, even if it’s just an e-signature. Some states like Alaska and Tennessee only require the physician (or in some cases certain other health care professionals) to sign the form. In Tennessee, the criteria for signing away a patient’s life by a health care professional is that the professional wouldn’t be surprised if the patient died within a set period of time. The Tennessee POST form reads: “POST is not for everyone, but is designed for seriously ill or frail patients who wish to limit treatment in some way. To determine whether a POST should be considered, clinicians should ask themselves: “Would I be surprised if this patient died or lost decision-making capacity in the next year”? If the answer is, “No I would not be surprised,” then a goals-of-care discussion and advance care planning with POST is appropriate to consider. Each treatment on the form should be evaluated and discussed based on what, if any, benefit it has for the patient.”

Some of the forms, even those that insist on a patient’s signature, nevertheless allow the frail or the chronically ill to opt for euthanasia on the basis that basically their lives are just not worth living. Needless to say, I expect pressure is applied to these people to opt for death. It really was a macabre experience when I stumbled across this information. These forms managed to make it through state legislatures through most of the states in the county without my being aware of them. I personally would never want to live in a state where the patient’s signature is not required. But I’m dubious of e-signatures as well. If a signature doesn’t have to be witnessed and/or can’t be verified then what good is it?

The Tennessee form includes the following:

“The POST form is not intended to replace an advance directive, but can be used for seriously ill patients, even if they do not have an advance directive. It is recommended that patients with a life-limiting illness have two (2) documents: Advance directive that includes appointment of a health care agent (also called a power of attorney for health care (3) and scenario-based treatment directives POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment)”

Notice the words are intended and recommended not required.

Tennessee POST form reads:  “The POST from may be prepared by any health care professional. To be valid, the form

must be signed by a physician, or at discharge from a hospital or long term care facility by a nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or physician assistant (PA). Verbal orders are acceptable with follow-up signature by the physician in accordance with facility/community policy. The preparer should fill out the health care professional information on the front of the form. The professional who signs the POST form is assuming full responsibility for the medical orders and attests that these orders are an accurate reflection of the patient’s current treatment preferences.”

Tennessee POST form reads: “Patient or Surrogate Signature

Tennessee is one of a few states that does not require the patient or surrogate to sign the POST form. However providers are strongly encouraged to have the patient or surrogate, as appropriate, sign it, due to increasing concerns about Tennessee POST forms not being honored in states requiring patient signatures.”

“Health care facilities are also required to honor specific orders contained in the POST. The POST form itself can serve as the order set, or new orders consistent with those on the POST form can be written, per facility policy.

Specifically for first responders, the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities has defined the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Para-Medic Scope of Practice so that Tennessee-certified First Responder or EMT are required to comply with POST forms appropriately executed if signed on discharge from a hospital or long term care facility (by a physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant).”

You can read more about the Tennessee POLST form here:

Click to access 2015_Tennessee_POSTGuidance.pdf

Here are the signature requirements per state, which was last updated on February 28, 2022:

Click to access 2022.02.28-Signature-Requirements-by-State.pdf

Meanwhile, people are abandoning their dogs in dog parks. And the number of strays is increasing. The shelter system is overwhelmed. People increasingly can’t afford their own pets, can’t afford to adopt pets, and I suspect can’t afford to fix their pets. Eventually, they will begin rounding up these cats and dogs and putting them to death — if they haven’t already. Death is the solution that is their ultimate answer to everything. Let the problem get so bad that the public just wants the problem to go away. Then, they introduce death as the solution. Increasingly, it’s becoming a solution people are willing to live with.

(Gibson, 2024)

Gibson, K. (2024, January 9). “Animal shelters are overwhelmed by abandoned dogs. Here’s why.” CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/animal-shelters-overwhelmed-by-abandoned-dogs/

Michaels, 2023)

Michaels, D. (2023, December 12). “Owner Dumped His Dog Alone In The Park With A ‘Heartbreaking’ Note.” I Heart Dogs. https://iheartdogs.com/owner-dumped-his-dog-alone-in-the-park-with-a-heartbreaking-note/

(Molina Acosta, 2023)

Molina Acosta, C. (2023, January 4).  “Pets are being given up by people who can’t afford to keep them.” NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/01/04/1146866246/pets-are-being-given-up-by-people-who-cant-afford-to-keep-them

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Colossians 4 Bible Chapter

May 5, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

Colossians 4

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen (Colossians 4: 1-18).

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It’s Booming! Part 3: In Defense of Dollar Tree.

May 1, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

It’s Booming! Part 3: In Defense of Dollar Tree.

A lot of flak has been aimed at dollar stores like Dollar Tree lately. Dollar Tree is set to close some of its Family Dollar stores. The reasons given for the closures vary. Some of the articles say it’s because the acquisition of Family Dollar by Dollar Tree has turned out to be more of a problem than it’s worth. The two stores don’t mesh well together. Still, there are plans to open combo stores where both stores are in the same building. One article I recently read, “Crime magnets, food deserts? US dollar stores in the dock” partially blames lackluster Christmas sales. “Dollar Tree said in March that it planned to close nearly 1,000 of its Family Dollar outlets after poor holiday sales. Discount stores have also struggled with shifts in consumer demand and rising costs.” (Biron, 2024) A different article, “Dollar Tree Raising Some Prices to $7 as 6-Figure Earners Flock to the Discount Store.” said, “Dollar Tree also announced that it is closing 1,000 Family Dollar stores, representing 12% of its total store count. The company also said in the earnings call that it continues to deal with increased theft at Family Dollar, which is only one of many factors behind store closures. As a result, the company has locked up certain products and placed others behind registers.” (Nesbit, 2024)

Either way, it’s clear that the authors of most of the recent articles about Dollar Tree are clearly not fans of Dollar Tree and its ilk. After reading some of these articles, you’d think dollar stores were responsible for the inflation we are experiencing. Most of the authors act like it’s a crime to earn a profit in order to keep your business from bankruptcy and continue to pay your employees. Yes, when Dollar Tree tacked on that additional $0.25 to their prices it did signal that the inflation problem was worse than what the woke media would have you believe. Maybe the propagandists don’t, but I appreciate the position Dollar Tree is in. The business model Dollar Tree had had that worked for years, and they probably expected to continue on indefinitely, no longer works in this high inflation environment. The selling point had been that you could walk into the store and buy whatever you saw there for $1.00 plus any applicable tax. Now that’s no longer possible.

Still, it appears that the propagandists want Dollar Tree to just take the loss — sell the item for less than they can acquire it for in order to hide the fact that there’s an inflation problem. How typical of the woke to steamroll over everything and everyone in order to have their way and then expect someone else to take the pain for it. Heaven forbid they change course when their policies turn out to be a disaster. No, they scapegoat instead.

“While dollar stores use the allure of single-digit prices to bring customers in, they “actually end up costing customers more in the long run,” Sasha Rogelberg said for Fortune. This is especially true for essential products, since “toilet paper, soap, and groceries cost more per unit price at dollar stores than they do as other large retailers.” (Klawans, 2024)

Yes, there are savings to be made buying in bulk — there always has been. It has been a way to get your money to go further. But then, that’s the rub. What if you have to finance your bulk purchases with a high interest rate credit card? Or worse yet, you’ve already tapped out your credit? Then, there becomes a use for a store that sells things in smaller quantities. The problem once again is that it’s not a good thing to be priced out of buying bulk, which can be a way to get financially ahead. But that’s the economic reality we’re in. Some people can no longer afford to invest in a larger quantity in order to gain a discount per ounce or per count. But instead of acknowledging that there is an inflation problem that has led to an interest rate hike on credit, woke propagandists have instead decided to engage in the less than helpful practice of blaming the retailers for not taking the financial loss on themselves by charging bulk prices per ounce or count for smaller quantities. Eventually, undercharging would probably cause them to lose their business since no one is forecasting that the widespread inflationary prices will go back down.

And yet the attack on dollar stores continues with moves even being made to restrict the expansion of dollar stores in some communities. “Critics of these stores, which stayed open during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide essential items and saw swift expansion afterwards, say they attract crime, like shoplifting, are often poorly maintained and push out grocery shops and other businesses. They also say the stores create “food deserts” where consumers have little access to healthy, fresh produce. Supporters say the so-called small box retailers offer a lifeline to low-income families.” (Biron, 2024) The Dollar Tree response was thus: “A spokesperson for Dollar Tree said Chicago’s decision meant it and other small box retailers “will essentially be prohibited from opening new or relocated stores” in the city. The move “will bring more harm than help to the very communities it claims to support by limiting the flexibility to improve stores and provide new offerings to people in these communities,” the spokesperson told Context.” (Biron, 2024)

But the criticism continues … ““This whole thing has exploded,” said Kennedy Smith, a senior researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), which published a report on the “Dollar Store Invasion” last year. As word gets out more about communities that have been successful in controlling dollar store development … others are coming to ask for guidance,” she told Context.” (Biron, 2024) “The closures give communities “an opportunity to re-set the clock and find better ways to ensure that residents have convenient and affordable access to healthy food. With fewer dollar stores, it will be easier for communities to develop or attract better food options,” Smith said.” (Biron, 2024)

Yet, even the author of the “Crime magnets, food deserts? US dollar stores in the dock.”  article admits, “there is evidence that the retailers are responding to a genuine demand. The first national survey last year by the non-profit Center for Science in the Public Interest found more than 80% of respondents said the stores helped their communities, were convenient and allowed them to stretch tight budgets.” (Biron, 2024)

But criticism of the dollar store phenomenon persisted in the article: “Broader food access was also highlighted by researchers with UCLA Anderson and the University of Toronto, who found that around one grocery store will close for every three dollar stores that open within a two-mile radius.” (Biron, 2024) And, “In a petition calling for a ban, people in Tangipahoa said they had been negatively affected by the “saturation” of dollar stores, which they said had increased traffic, affected drainage, diminished small businesses and attracted litter and crime.” (Biron, 2024)

The Klawans article is also rife with criticism. “Indeed, while simply shopping elsewhere may seem like an obvious solution, customers “already shopping at dollar stores may not have a choice,” Rogelberg said for Fortune. The “thousands of dollar stores cropping up across the U.S. may seem like a win for shoppers looking for convenience,” but “dollar store expansions have also forced out independent grocers and created food deserts in the areas they occupy.” This means that dollar stores, which are “heavily reliant on cash-strapped shoppers with few options,” have “little motivation to do away with shrinkflation.” (Klawans, 2024)

Still, one woman in the Biron article was willing to work with Dollar Tree in order to remedy the chain’s perceived shortcomings. The article states, “Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, a former commissioner in DeKalb County, Georgia, believes the key to striking a balance between the pros and cons of dollar stores lies in collaboration.” as well as, “Cochran-Johnson drew up legislation to encourage the stores to offer fresh food items, and now many include a cold food section selling milk, cheese and more, she said.” (Biron, 2024)

And yet, you can’t sell those fresh food items for $1.25. So now Dollar Tree is planning to offer items up to $7.00 limit. While most items will still be at the $1.25 price point, others will now range from $1.50 to $7.00. It’s of note that the Klawans article mentions the $7.00 price limit and the shrinking sizes, but neglects to mention that most items will remain $1.25. The Nesbit article mentions, “In the company’s most recent earnings call, executive chairman and CEO Rick Dreiling said the increase was part of Dollar Tree’s “multi-price point strategy” to offer shoppers a more “relevant assortment,” Business Insider reported. He also noted that most of Dollar Tree’s new shoppers in 2023 came from households earning more than $125,000 per year.” (Nesbit, 2024) He also added that “Higher-priced items will include food, snacks, beverages, pet care, personal care and more.” (Nesbit, 2024) Klawans misinterprets the information about the more affluent customers in the following, “And despite what Dollar Tree executives said, statistics show the majority of dollar store customers sit in low-income brackets.” (Klawans, 2024) CEO Rick Dreiling actually said new customers, not all customers.

In the end, apparently Dollar Tree can’t win. When they offer healthier food options for more money the implication is made that the company is catering to the wealthy. If they don’t offer healthier options, the company is a “crime magnet” and a creator of “food deserts.”

It’s also useful to point out that it doesn’t appear that the company is raking in the dough at the $1.25 price point. “The company reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $1.71 billion and a net loss of $998.4 million for fiscal year 2023, Supermarket News reported.” (Nesbit, 2024) Yet, Klawans insists, “The rampant shrinkflation, as in other types of stores, has “resulted in tasty profit margins for both Dollar General and Dollar Tree,” Bill Wilson said for Supermarket News.” (Klawans, 2024) Klawans then seems to contradict himself by pointing out that Dollar Tree is closing stores. “The shrinkflation doesn’t necessarily appear to be helping to avoid other drastic measures; Dollar Tree and its subsidiary, Family Dollar, announced it will close nearly 1,000 stores in the next few years due to a lackluster 2023. While this may help the company, it is “likely to leave a void for Americans with already limited shopping choices,” CNN said. So, which is it? Dollar Tree is a useful resource for the poor and therefore they have a moral obligation to keep their stores open? Or, are they supposedly a scourge that causes “food deserts” by driving out competition? And do we even know there is competition willing to move into these areas? I guess we’ll find out soon if any traditional groceries swoop in to fill that void created by the store closures.

In the end, yes, there is a problem, but the problem isn’t being caused by Dollar Tree.

(Biron, 2024)

Biron, C. (2024, April 22). “Crime magnets, food deserts? US dollar stores in the dock.” Context. https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/crime-magnets-food-deserts-us-dollar-stores-in-the-dock

(Klawans, 2024)

Klawans, J. (2024, March 29). “Why are dollar stores a microcosm for America’s shrinkflation problem?” THE WEEK US. https://theweek.com/business/economy/dollar-stores-americas-shrinkflation-problem

(Nesbit, 2024)

Nesbit, J. (2024, March 22). “Dollar Tree Raising Some Prices to $7 as 6-Figure Earners Flock to the Discount Store.” Yahoo Finance. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dollar-tree-raising-prices-7-201647729.html

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Writing Update 7

April 28, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

Writing Update 7

Tomorrow’s the day! Contagion Phase 1: Biosphere will be released! I have updated the Books Available links page with links to retailers. It will be available in eBook format for $2.99, paperback for $12.99, as well as the Everand subscription service.

If you have Amazon Prime, you can use No-Rush Rewards or Amazon Day Rewards and get Amazon Digital Services credit to buy the Kindle Ebook versions of Contagion Phase 1: Biosphere, Mind Master Chronicles: Puppet on a String, or Break the Leg to Bend the Knee on Amazon.  You can get up to $3.00 per transaction, which would pay for any of these Kindle eBooks. [Update: It appears the Amazon No-Rush Rewards policy has changed. You now get $1.00 Amazon Digital Services credit per transaction.] And of course the Mind Master Chronicles: Labyrinth eBook remains free.

Also, currently buying an eBook for $2.99 gives you 9 Kindle Rewards points per book toward the purchase of other Kindle books. Once Contagion Phase 1: Biosphere becomes available on April 29th, it should also net you 9 points for the eBook. As far as the paperbacks go, you can get 10 pts for Mind Master Chronicles: Labyrinth, 15pts for Mind Master Chronicles: Puppet on a String and 12 pts for Break the Leg to Bend the Knee. Since Contagion Phase 1: Biosphere is still in pre-order, points aren’t listed yet. But the going rate is 3 pts per dollar spent on Kindle eBooks, and 1 pt per dollar spent on paperbacks. 300 points equal $3.00 in Kindle Rewards book credit.

In July, I plan on submitting this book and my other three books to the Smashwords store sale.

I am happy to have completed the book and am hopeful it will be an enjoyable read for any readers out there! Meanwhile, the typing up of Mind Master Chronicles: The Pretender (Book 3) is almost complete and it will then enter the some-days-it-seems-endless editing process. After the typing of Mind Master Chronicles: The Pretender (Book 3) is complete, then the typing will commence on the prequel to Contagion Phase 1, which is aptly entitled Contagion Phase 2: Beginnings. The typing and the editing of the two books will occur simultaneously. Happy reading! And if you like any of my books, feel free to leave a rating! I appreciate it! Thanks!

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Colossians 3 Bible chapter

April 28, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

Colossians 3

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, for Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and coveteousness, which is idolatry:

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him:

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons (Colossians 3: 1-25).

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Pseudoscience as the Dogma of Wokeism

April 24, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

Pseudoscience as the Dogma of Wokeism.

10/05/23

There is a new science in town. It is not like the old science, which at its best was viewed as a quest for the truth. This new science has been decided, and it has been decided by bureaucrats and authoritarians. It justifies and excuses political agendas and inhumane policies such as depopulation. It cannot be questioned or challenged. It’s given up one of the fundamental foundations of science — that theories cannot be proven only disproven.

Apparently traditional scientists are feeling the burn. They are now being discredited for holding fast to the old science and not embracing the new. The fact is the new science is not science at all, and it has been co-opted into the religion of wokeism as its new dogma.

Ironically, some of the same scientists who are now being pilloried were the ones who championed for the absolute credibility of science, and for its supremacy over religion in the past. They basically used science to try to steer people away from a belief in God and toward what they believed to be a more rational and, therefore, in their minds correct belief system. It seems to me that their version of utopia is one where the cold rationality of science replaces religion.

Therefore, these scientists are horrified to find that a new religion has taken over science, changing all of its tenets and using the credibility scientists instilled in science to add credibility to its own ideological message. And yet, a lot of these traditional scientists are still clinging to their dream of a world without religion. They are still attempting to discredit Judeo-Christianity and make it out to be primitive and irrelevant. They are still attacking it even though it is the only religion capable of countering the spread of wokeism — which is completely perverting the traditional concept of science.

In other words, they are still treating Christians with the same level of disrespect and condescension that they are complaining the woke are now treating them with. And yet, I don’t see these scientists adjusting their behavior.

The fact is the spiritual realm exists. I’ve even heard of a couple of scientists on a podcast express shock and distress at being sucked into woke propaganda when they’re supposed to be above what they seem to deem as the irrational. But the spiritual is powerful among all people including the self-proclaimed rational ones. And just because you are fine, in theory, with a life devoid of the spiritual and emotional dimensions doesn’t mean that most people are or should be that way. And thinking you’re going to win people back from satanic offshoots like wokeism with arguments of cold rationality is impractical. The only defense against Satan is God. The belief in God and His Messiah, Jesus Christ, is the only belief system that can fill the void people have.

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It’s Booming! Part 2: Another Term to Explain It All Away

April 14, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

It’s Booming! Part 2: Another Term to Explain It All Away

3/15/24

They call it “money dysmorphia.” Yeah, I’m not kidding. It is a new word that has been added to the lexicon of wokeism. It basically means social media is making young adults feel financially inadequate when in fact the economy is actually working well for them! In the article, “Nearly half of young adults have ‘money dysmorphia,’ survey finds. Here are the symptoms.” it states that, “The average household’s net worth has soared in recent years, rising 37% between 2019 and 2022, according to the survey of consumer finances from the Federal Reserve.” (Dickler, 2024) And yet people aren’t feeling well-off. How can that be? Money dysmorphia! Still, the author later admits that, a “prolonged period of high inflation and instability has chipped away at most consumers’ buying power and confidence. Instagram is also partly to blame.” (Dickler, 2024) Notice how the article starts off by admitting that things like inflation have something to do with people’s feelings of financial inadequacy then it pivots to blaming social media. Attacks on social media are being ratcheted up recently. Now, according to the article, the pressure to impress strangers online has warped our perception of financial reality as well.

Then, the article goes on to say that “more than half of Americans earning more than $100,000 a year say they live paycheck to paycheck, another report by LendingClub found.” (Dickler, 2024) Apparently, the cost of living is so high where these people live that it eats away at their income until they have no discretionary income. And really isn’t that what feeling rich is about? The means to have your will met? Isn’t that what really causes people to do the things listed in the article like going on expensive trips and buying things they don’t need? They want to feel powerful and in control? And apparently when they had discretionary income — when the cost of living was less — they felt that way. The media can call this reality whatever they like; they can blame it on a need to impress other people on social media, but in the end I don’t see how telling people they have enough money and implying they are nuts not to see it is going to work. As long as they can’t do as they please whenever they please they aren’t going to feel rich.

Dickler, J. (2024, March 13). “Nearly half of young adults have ‘money dysmorphia,’ survey finds. Here are the symptoms.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/13/nearly-half-of-young-adults-have-money-dysmorphia-survey-finds.html

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Colossians 2 Bible chapter

April 14, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

Colossians 2

For I would that ye knew what great conflict [Or, fear, or, care] I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

And as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:

Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [Or, elements] of the world, and not after Christ.

For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross;

And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [Or, in Himself].

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect [Or, in part] of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days:

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Let no man beguile you [Or, judge against you] of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting [Or, punishing, or, not sparing] of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh (Colossians 2: 1-23).

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It’s Booming! Part 1

April 10, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

It’s Booming! Part 1

4/10/24

There’s so much propaganda out there that the economy is booming! Funny, one of the only things I see booming is inflation. So, I’ve decided to dissect some of the woke propaganda articles on this and other common themes such as climate change from time to time. After all, pretty much all of these articles conveniently lack a comments section. Therefore, they get to mount their podium and lecture at you as though you are a mere school child and they are your not to be questioned or challenged professor. In other words, you are deprived of the ability to mount a response. I find his frustrating.

The article, “The strong U.S. job market is in a ‘sweet spot,’ economists say.”, makes the following points. Facts: “The U.S. economy added 303,000 jobs in March, the largest gain in more than a year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said in its monthly jobs report.” (Iacurci, 2024) “The unemployment rate also edged lower, to 3.8%.” (Iacurci, 2024) Spin: “It’s a bit harder for workers to find jobs relative to the “great resignation” era a few years ago.” (Iacurci, 2024) “But overall, the labor market looks healthy and sustainable and is giving inflation-adjusted raises to the average worker, economists said.” (Iacurci, 2024) The author spins that the economy is making progress without “overheating” as it did during the “great resignation” era. It’s adding jobs, but not too many. The spin is this is good for both the economy and workers. According to the author’s spin, “employers are adding ample jobs to their payrolls, unemployment hovers near historical lows, and worker buying power (so-called “real” wage growth) is steadily rising, economists said.”

Facts: “Employers added 303,000 jobs to payrolls in March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. That’s the largest monthly gain since January 2023. Job growth in the first three months of 2024 — 274,000, on average — beats the 2019 pre-pandemic average by more than 100,000.” (Iacurci, 2024) “The U.S. unemployment rate declined to 3.8% in March, from 3.9% in February. Unemployment has been below 4% — a historically low mark — for more than two years.” (Iacurci, 2024) The author cites Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter who spins, “Those conditions are pushing employers to make “very attractive” offers to new hires and proactively recruit prospective candidates.” (Iacurci, 2024) The author mentions that, “The layoff rate has also been near a historic low for more than two years, as employers hang on to their current workforce.” (Iacurci, 2024) He fails to mention that the tech industry is experiencing severe layoffs. The author then goes on to blame the so-called hot labor market of 2021-2022 for contributing to the high inflation rate. The author admits that, “Wage growth has declined, to an annual 4.1% pace in March from a pandemic-era peak of 5.9% in March 2022, on average. But inflation has fallen more than that, which translates to an increase in household buying power since May 2023.” (Iacurci, 2024)

 “Real hourly earnings — wages after accounting for inflation — grew by 1.1% in February 2024 versus a year earlier.” (Iacurci, 2024) “While workers have lost some leverage, it’s still “relatively easy” to find a job and workers are now getting those inflation-adjusted raises,” Nick Bunker, economic research director for North America at job site Indeed said. (Iacurci, 2024)

The most misleading part of this article is that it’s dealing with rates of increase in wages as compared to rates of increase in inflation over a short period of time. Inflation damage is unfortunately cumulative. In the long term, wage increases consistently outstripping the rate of increase in inflation might make a noticeable difference to consumers. As it stands now, even if the trend continued, they are still contending with prices way too high as compared to their wages. It’s disingenuous for the author and his commenters to ignore the fact that our real wage is still dreadfully inadequate compared to the current cost of living. At best they can say that there has been a sign of improvement they can cite. Instead, they imply that the consumer can go out to their local store and buy more than they could a short while ago. That is wrong. I also think it’s premature to act as though the inflation crisis is over.

(Iacurci, 2024)

Iacurci, G. (2024, April 5). “The strong U.S. job market is in a ‘sweet spot,’ economists say.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/05/the-strong-us-job-market-is-in-a-sweet-spot-economists-say.html

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Bullying as a Form of Censorship

April 7, 2024 by jenniferalicechandler

Bullying as a Form of Censorship

08/25/23

People love a winner; they admire those who get their way. And increasingly in our society anything you have to do to win is not only permitted but encouraged, particularly when your worldview is in sync with the ideology of the power elite. Increasingly, when the more passive-aggressive means of censorship fail, people are resorting to bullying as a winning strategy to push their ideology onto the world. Perhaps it’s this newfound obsession with 100% compliance — the idea that you can change reality if everyone buys in — that’s driving it. For whatever reason, just making your case to the world as to why your belief system is worth considering — letting your argument stand on its own merits — is apparently not enough anymore. Certain people think that they not only have the right to their own opinion but the right and even the duty to prevent other people from expressing or even having a differing opinion. You have to drive those with competing worldviews out of the town square through intimidation and harassment. You have to bully them into silence and self-censorship. Then, you win by default; only your worldview is left standing. As a bonus, other people will see what you’ve done to your rivals, and they, too, will most likely be browbeaten into submission to your will.

Shadowbanning also can contribute to bullying when it’s clear that people with some sort of power are singling out a group for different, negative treatment. It’s the non-woke, non-globalist worldview that’s being shadowbanned. The attitude among the censorship set seems to be: what do you expect? Of course you’re being demoted! Your views, unlike the other side (scoff) are offensive. Just be glad you haven’t had your account cancelled. It’s what you deserve for fighting the current. In reality, they don’t want you gaining traction to reverse the course. But the official line is that it’s normal and a given you should be treated worse than the ones with their ideology. You are basically not treated with respect, and they are signaling to all the bullies that you have lower status in the social pecking order. This in turn emboldens bullies to abuse people for having what they hope will become an unpopular ideology.

At the end of the day, it’s one thing to state your case to the world, and if you can, even comment on another’s opinion if they’re open to comments. But this tendency of seeking out people with differing views and lying in wait for them to say something you don’t like — which shouldn’t take too long to accomplish — just so you can jump all over them should not be encouraged or admired. It should be seen for what it is — bullying as a means of censorship.

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