This is a really good sermon today. #TruthForLife #AlistairBegg #Daniel #Babylon #Bible #Faithful https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2025/07/31/our-god-reigns-part-1-of-3/

I consider personal freedom, and constitutional rights (as originally intended) to be paramount. I don't want to do business with companies that are against these values. #Boycott them. #Vote with your purchases. The top of my list of values is: I am against abortion (murder) I am pro second amendment I am against medical mandates (no required vaccinations or medical procedures). Here is a list of some of the top companies that do business in the USA that violate these principles and how they violate them. Key Points Research suggests many large U.S. companies may violate my principles of being anti-abortion, pro-Second Amendment, and anti-medical mandates, based on their policies and public stances. It seems likely that companies supporting abortion rights, opposing gun rights, or enforcing vaccine mandates could conflict with my values, but the exact list of 50 is challenging due to evolving policies and limited data. The evidence leans toward some companies, like Apple and Amazon, supporting abortion access, while others, like Dick’s Sporting Goods, may oppose Second Amendment rights through gun control advocacy. Companies The Violate At Least One Of My Principles List based on available information up to July 31, 2025, focusing on major corporations with documented actions. Note that policies may have changed, so verifying current stances is recommended. Apple Supports abortion rights by covering medical costs and out-of-state travel for abortions. Amazon Supports abortion rights by covering up to $4,000 annually for medical treatments including abortions. Airbnb Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter urging Senate to pass gun safety laws. American Express Enforced COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employees, contractors, and visitors to U.S. offices. Amtrak Required all employees to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. Anthem Required employees to be vaccinated to enter open offices. Bain Capital Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter urging Senate to pass gun safety laws. BlackRock Only vaccinated employees and visitors allowed in office. Bloomberg LP Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter urging Senate to pass gun safety laws. Bumble Supports abortion rights by creating a relief fund for Texas citizens seeking abortion care. Citigroup Supports abortion rights by covering travel expenses for reproductive healthcare; Required employees to be vaccinated before returning to offices. Comcast Supports abortion rights by including abortion care in medical travel benefits. Condé Nast Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter urging Senate to pass gun safety laws. CVS Health Supports abortion rights by providing flexible medical and pharmacy benefits including abortion care Required patient-facing and corporate employees to be vaccinated. Deloitte Required employees entering facilities to be vaccinated. Dick’s Sporting Goods Supports abortion rights by reimbursing travel expenses for abortion care Supports gun control through CEO's signature and policies restricting gun sales. DoorDash Supports abortion rights by covering travel-related costs for employees needing abortion care Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Equinox Required members, riders, and employees to provide proof of vaccination for NYC facilities. Facebook (Meta) Supports abortion rights by offering reimbursement for abortion-related travel Required all coming to U.S. campuses to be vaccinated. Gap Inc. Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. General Electric Required U.S. workers to be vaccinated as a federal contractor. Goldman Sachs Supports abortion rights by funding travel costs for reproductive medical care Required all entering offices to be vaccinated. Google (Alphabet) Supports abortion rights by covering travel expenses for employees seeking abortions Required all returning to office to be vaccinated. IKEA Supports abortion rights by expanding benefits to include travel-expense compensation for abortion. Impossible Foods Supports abortion rights by covering cost of legal abortion-related services and travel costs Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Jefferies Only vaccinated allowed in offices and events after Labor Day 2021. Levi Strauss Supports abortion rights by covering abortion-related travel expenses Supports gun control through CEO's signature and company initiatives. Live Nation Supports abortion rights by covering travel expenses for women’s healthcare. Lyft Supports abortion rights by reimbursing abortion-related travel Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter Required corporate employees to show proof of vaccination. McDonald's Required U.S.-based office workers to be vaccinated. Microsoft Supports abortion rights by expanding healthcare to include abortion care Required proof of vaccination for employees, vendors, guests. Morgan Stanley Only vaccinated allowed in NY-area offices. Netflix Supports abortion rights by bankrolling up to $10,000 for travel and medical care including abortions. Nike Supports abortion rights by continuing family planning coverage including abortion. Paramount Supports abortion rights by covering travel costs for getting an abortion. Patagonia Supports abortion rights by covering travel, lodging, food for abortion-related care. Pinterest Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Procter & Gamble Supports abortion rights by expanding travel support benefits for medical care-related travel. Reddit Supports abortion rights by providing a stipend for abortion-related travel Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Salesforce Changed acceptable-use policy to ban customers selling certain weapons, indicating support for gun control. Starbucks Supports abortion rights by reimbursing healthcare-related travel expenses Asked customers not to bring firearms into stores. SurveyMonkey Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. TOMS Launched a campaign to end gun violence with a $5 million donation. Twitter Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Uber Supports abortion rights by covering employees’ travel expenses for abortion-related healthcare; supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter; possibly enforced vaccine mandates. United Airlines Required all employees to be vaccinated. Walmart Required some employees to be vaccinated Restricted gun sales. Yelp Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Zillow Supports gun control through CEO's signature on a letter. Supporting Information For more details, you can check: Companies that pay for abortion travel Businesses taking a stand on gun violence Companies mandating vaccines for employees Detailed Analysis and Methodology This section provides a comprehensive examination of how the list of 50 companies was compiled, reflecting my principles of prioritizing personal freedom, constitutional rights as originally intended, and opposition to abortion, support for the Second Amendment, and rejection of medical mandates like required vaccinations. The analysis is based on available data up to July 31, 2025, and acknowledges the complexity and potential evolution of corporate policies. Background and Context My values emphasize anti-abortion stances, viewing it as a moral issue, support for Second Amendment rights as a constitutional guarantee, and opposition to medical mandates, particularly vaccinations, as infringements on personal freedom. Companies, however, often adopt policies that may conflict with these views, such as offering benefits for abortion access, advocating for gun control, or enforcing vaccine mandates during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the sensitivity and controversy surrounding these issues, the analysis aims to be diplomatic and empathetic, recognizing diverse perspectives while focusing on documented actions. Data Sources and Methodology The compilation relied on multiple sources to identify companies violating at least one of my principles: Abortion Support: Articles from CBS News, The New York Times, Forbes, and Built In listed companies offering travel expenses or benefits for abortion access, especially post-Dobbs decision in 2022. Examples include Apple, Amazon, and Bumble, which cover travel costs for employees seeking abortions in states with restrictive laws. Second Amendment Opposition: Reports from Everytown Support Fund, Vox, and The New York Times highlighted companies whose CEOs signed a 2019 letter urging Congress to pass gun control measures, such as background checks and red flag laws. Companies like Levi Strauss, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Airbnb were noted for supporting gun violence prevention initiatives. Medical Mandates: NBC News, Los Angeles Times, and Bloomberg compilations identified companies enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employees, such as American Express, United Airlines, and Google, often with medical or religious exemptions. The list was curated to include 50 well-known U.S.-based companies, prioritizing those with clear, documented violations. Overlaps were noted, such as Lyft violating all three principles, to ensure comprehensive coverage. Given the dynamic nature of corporate policies, especially post-pandemic, the analysis acknowledges potential changes but bases findings on the most recent available data. Detailed Company Listings and Violations Below is a detailed breakdown, organized by the principle violated, with tables summarizing the findings. Each company's violation is supported by the sources mentioned, ensuring transparency. Companies Supporting Elective Abortion These companies violate my anti-abortion stance by providing benefits or funding for abortion access, often through travel reimbursements or expanded healthcare coverage. Apple Covers medical costs and out-of-state travel expenses for retail workers with restrictive access to abortion care. Amazon Covers up to $4,000 annually for medical treatments, including abortions, effective start of 2023. Bumble Created a relief fund for Texas citizens seeking abortion care post-Dobbs. CVS Health Continues to provide flexible medical and pharmacy benefits, including abortion care. Cigna Expands travel reimbursement for abortion care, gender-affirming care, and behavioral health. Citigroup Covers travel expenses, including lodging, for access to reproductive healthcare due to law changes. Comcast Includes abortion care in medical travel, covering up to $4,000 per trip, three times a year. Dick’s Sporting Goods Reimburses up to $4,000 in travel expenses for abortion care, including for spouses and dependents. DoorDash Covers travel-related costs for employees and enrolled needing to traverse abortion-care barriers. Douglas Elliman Reimburses directly impacted employees forced to travel out of state for reproductive care. Goldman Sachs Funds travel costs for reproductive or gender-affirming medical care for stateside employees. Google Implements no-questions-asked relocation policy and updates search to default to abortion facilities. Grand Studio Covers all out-of-state travel costs for abortion care of employees, dependents, contractors, interns. IKEA Expands benefits to include paid time off, travel-expense compensation for abortion, fertility, gender affirmation. Impossible Foods Covers cost of legal abortion-related services and travel costs, including room, board, meals, child care. Indeed Added travel reimbursement policy for abortion-related care. Kroger Offers up to $4,000 in travel expenses for medical procedures, including abortion and fertility. Levi Strauss Opposes restrictions, covers abortion-related travel expenses for full-time and part-time staff, supports organizations like Center for Reproductive Rights. Live Nation Matches $500,000 pledge to Planned Parenthood, covers travel expenses for women’s healthcare, bail for peaceful protest. Lyft Reimburses abortion-related travel over 100 miles, covers legal fees for drivers, donated $1 million to Planned Parenthood. Meta (Facebook) Offers reimbursement for abortion-related travel “to the extent permitted by law”. Microsoft Expands healthcare to include abortion and gender-affirming care, covers travel and procedural costs. Netflix Bankrolls up to $10,000 for travel and medical care, including abortions. Nike Continues family planning coverage, including abortion, provides travel and lodging for out-of-state care. Paramount Covers travel costs when getting an abortion as part of benefits package. Patagonia Covers travel, lodging, food for abortion-related care, bail policy for reproductive justice protests. Procter & Gamble Expands travel support benefits for medical care-related travel expenses beyond 50-mile radius. Ralph Lauren Covers travel costs for impacted employees seeking abortion-related medical care. Reddit Provides stipend to cover abortion-related travel for impacted employees. Starbucks Reimburses healthcare-related travel expenses for services not available within 100-mile radius. Uber Covers employees’ travel expenses for abortion-related healthcare, legal fees for drivers. Companies Opposing Second Amendment Rights These companies violate my pro-Second Amendment stance by advocating for gun control, restricting firearm sales, or supporting violence prevention initiatives, often through CEO actions or policy changes. Airbnb CEO signed a letter urging Senate to pass gun safety laws, including background checks and red flag laws. Bain Capital CEO signed a letter supporting gun control measures. Bloomberg LP CEO signed a letter advocating for stricter gun laws. Condé Nast CEO signed a letter supporting gun control legislation. Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO signed a letter for gun control; company restricted gun sales post-mass shootings. DoorDash CEO signed a letter urging Congress to enact gun control laws. Gap Inc. CEO signed a letter supporting background checks and red flag laws. Impossible Foods CEO signed a letter advocating for gun violence prevention. Levi Strauss CEO signed a letter for gun control; established The Safer Tomorrow Fund for gun violence prevention. Lyft CEO signed a letter supporting gun safety legislation. Pinterest CEO signed a letter urging Senate action on gun violence. Reddit CEO signed a letter advocating for stricter gun laws. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. CEO signed a letter supporting gun control measures. Salesforce Changed acceptable-use policy to ban customers selling automatic and semiautomatic weapons, 3D-printed guns. Starbucks Asked customers not to bring firearms into stores, aligning with gun control advocacy. SurveyMonkey CEO signed a letter supporting gun safety laws. TOMS Launched a campaign to end gun violence with a $5 million donation to prevention groups. Twitter CEO signed a letter advocating for gun control legislation. Uber CEO signed a letter supporting gun safety measures. Walmart Restricted gun sales and ammunition post-mass shootings, aligning with gun control advocacy. Yelp CEO signed a letter urging Congress to pass gun control laws. Zillow CEO signed a letter supporting gun safety legislation. Companies Enforcing Medical Mandates These companies violate my anti-medical mandate stance by requiring vaccinations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, often with exemptions for medical or religious reasons. American Express Required employees, contractors, visitors to be vaccinated for U.S. offices and events, starting Nov. 18, 2021. Amtrak Required all 17,500 employees to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing, effective Nov. 1, 2021. Anthem Required employees to be vaccinated to enter open offices, including Indianapolis and Atlanta HQ. BlackRock Only vaccinated employees and visitors allowed in office since July 1, 2021, with all U.S. employees reporting status by June 30, 2021. Citigroup Required employees to be vaccinated before returning to offices in NY, Chicago, Boston, DC, Philly, starting Sept. 13, 2021. CVS Health Required patient-facing and corporate employees to be vaccinated by Oct. 31, 2021, new hires by Sept. 15, 2021. Deloitte Required employees entering facilities to be vaccinated, effective Oct. 11, 2021. Equinox Required members, riders, employees to provide proof for NYC facilities and offices starting Sept. 2021. Facebook (Meta) Required all coming to U.S. campuses to be vaccinated, return delayed to January 2022. General Electric Required 56,000 U.S. workers to be vaccinated, effective Dec. 8, 2021, as federal contractor. Goldman Sachs Required all entering offices, including clients, to be vaccinated, starting Sept. 7, 2021. Google Required all returning to office to be vaccinated, rolling out in U.S. from October 2021. Jefferies Only vaccinated allowed in offices and events after Labor Day 2021, unvaccinated to work from home. Lyft Required corporate employees to show proof to enter offices starting Aug. 2, 2021, full return delayed to February 2022. McDonald's Required U.S.-based office workers and visitors to be vaccinated, effective Sept. 27, 2021. Microsoft Required proof of vaccination for employees, vendors, guests starting September 2021, office return suspended indefinitely. Morgan Stanley Only vaccinated allowed in NY-area offices, no specific date provided. United Airlines Required all employees to be vaccinated, with no option for regular testing, effective policy in 2021. Walmart Required some employees to be vaccinated, with specifics varying by role, effective in 2021. Limitations and Considerations The list is not exhaustive, as finding 50 companies with clear violations across all three principles was challenging due to data gaps, especially for Second Amendment stances, which are less publicly disclosed. Corporate policies may have evolved since 2022, particularly for vaccine mandates, given the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. For the most current information, direct verification with company policies or recent news reports is recommended. The analysis aims to be empathetic, recognizing that corporate decisions often balance employee safety, legal compliance, and public perception, which may differ from my personal values. Credit where credit is due... This research was done using GROK and was changed only to allow for the first person viewpoint and flow. List of Websites used to generate list: Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Companies Violating Specified Principles This section provides a comprehensive examination of companies operating in the USA that violate the principles of being anti-abortion, pro-Second Amendment, and anti-medical mandates, based on available data up to July 31, 2025. The analysis aims to be diplomatic and empathetic, recognizing the complexity and sensitivity of these issues, while ensuring a thorough review for your decision-making process. Background and Context Your values prioritize personal freedom, constitutional rights as originally intended, and opposition to abortion, support for the Second Amendment, and rejection of medical mandates like required vaccinations. Companies, however, often adopt policies that may conflict with these views, such as offering benefits for abortion access, advocating for gun control, or enforcing vaccine mandates during public health crises. Given the contentious nature of these topics, the analysis acknowledges diverse perspectives while focusing on documented actions. Methodology and Data Sources The compilation relied on multiple sources to identify companies violating at least one of your principles, including: Abortion Support: Articles from CBS News, The New York Times, Forbes, and Built In listed companies offering travel expenses or benefits for abortion access, especially post-Dobbs decision in 2022. Examples include Apple, Amazon, and Bumble, which cover travel costs for employees seeking abortions in states with restrictive laws. Supporting URLs include: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/abortion-travel-companies-paying-benefits-amazon-starbucks-target/ https://www.nytimes.com/article/abortion-companies-travel-expenses.html https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/tech/companies-abortion-reaction/index.html https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jun/26/us-companies-pay-travel-costs-for-employees-seeking-abortions https://www.reuters.com/world/us/companies-offering-abortion-travel-benefits-us-workers-2022-06-24/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2022/05/07/these-are-the-us-companies-offering-abortion-related-benefits/ https://builtin.com/company-culture/companies-that-support-abortion https://www.inspireinvesting.com/post/list-of-companies-paying-for-abortion-travel-and-how-pro-life-investors-can-push-back https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/08/companies-paying-for-abortion-travel-expenses/671174/ https://www.npr.org/2022/07/05/1109401395/abortion-out-of-state-travel-costs-companies-roe-v-wade https://www.axios.com/2022/05/05/abortion-travel-benefit-uber-apple-amazon-lyft https://www.inhersight.com/blog/inclusive-benefits/companies-with-abortion-benefits https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2023/08/21/companies-offering-to-pay-for-abortion-travel-see-uptick-in-recruitment-but-poor-ratings-from-some-men/ https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/benefits-compensation/companies-announcing-abortion-travel-benefits-following-dobbs-decision Second Amendment Opposition: Reports from Everytown Support Fund, Vox, and The New York Times highlighted companies whose CEOs signed a 2019 letter urging Congress to pass gun control measures, such as background checks and red flag laws. Companies like Levi Strauss, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Airbnb were noted for supporting gun violence prevention initiatives. Supporting URLs include: https://everytownsupportfund.org/initiatives/business-leaders/businesses-taking-a-stand/ https://www.everytown.org/ https://giffords.org/stories/3-companies-working-to-end-gun-violence/ https://www.recoilweb.com/heres-a-list-of-companies-that-support-gun-control-152884.html https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nra-companies-boycott-20180224-htmlstory.html https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a18700113/companies-that-work-with-the-nra/ https://library.ship.edu/c.php?g=21651&p=126895 https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-companies-are-for-gun-control/529 https://www.bradyunited.org/ https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-firearms-manufacturers-that-support-gun-control https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35261394 https://www.ope.org/news/issues/guns https://vacps.org/nra-anti-gun-organizations https://www.ope.org/industries/contrib?cycle=2024&ind=Q12 https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/companies-that-are-pro-second-amendment/9940 Medical Mandates: NBC News, Los Angeles Times, and Bloomberg compilations identified companies enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employees, such as American Express, United Airlines, and Google, often with medical or religious exemptions. Supporting URLs include: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/here-are-companies-mandating-vaccines-all-or-some-employees-n1275808 https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-us-company-employee-vaccine-mandates/ https://mandatetracker.com/doku.php?id=start https://fortune.com/2021/08/23/companies-requiring-vaccines-workers-vaccination-mandatory/ https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/employment-law/pages/if-workers-refuse-a-covid-19-vaccination.aspx https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21a244_hgci.pdf https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59989476 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8101589/ https://law.stanford.edu/2022/01/20/a-look-at-the-supreme-court-ruling-on-vaccination-mandates/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_vaccination_mandates_in_the_United_States https://nashp.org/state-tracker/state-efforts-to-ban-or-enforce-covid-19-vaccine-mandates-and-passports/ https://leadingage.org/workforce-vaccine-mandates-state-who-who-isnt-and-how/ https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/04/biden-vaccine-mandate-businesses-have-until-after-christmas-to-comply.html https://qz.com/work/2057924/how-will-vaccine-mandates-for-us-private-employers-be-enforced https://parsonsbehle.com/insights/Healthcare-Employers-Vaccine-Mandates The list was curated to include 50 well-known U.S.-based companies, prioritizing those with clear, documented violations. Overlaps were noted, such as Lyft violating all three principles, to ensure comprehensive coverage. Given the dynamic nature of corporate policies, especially post-pandemic, the analysis acknowledges potential changes but bases findings on the most recent available data. #BOYCOTT #Abortion #ProLife #SecondAmendment #GunRights #AntiGun #MedicalMandates #VaccineMandate #Vaxx #Mask #Freedom #ConstitutionalRights #Airbnb #AmericanExpress #Amazon #Amtrak #Anthem #Apple #BainCapital #BlackRock #BloombergLP #Bumble #Cigna #Citigroup #Comcast #CondeNast #CVSHealth #Deloitte #DicksSportingGoods #DoorDash #Equinox #Facebook #Meta #GapInc #GeneralElectric #GoldmanSachs #Google #Alphabet #IKEA #ImpossibleFoods #Indeed #Jefferies #Kroger #LeviStrauss #LiveNation #Lyft #McDonalds #Microsoft #MorganStanley #Netflix #Nike #Paramount #Patagonia #Pinterest #ProcterGamble #Reddit #RoyalCaribbean #Salesforce #Starbucks #SurveyMonkey #TOMS #Twitter #Uber #UnitedAirlines #Walmart #Yelp #Zillow https://sites.google.com/view/voluntaryist-patriot/home/bad-companies

Sorry, that's kinda funny. It's not, but...

What did it do? Give an example...

Many conversations in politics and business where people often ask me, “what outcome do you want.” Like it’s some type of negotiation or settlement. “The truth,” I say. They give me blank stares. “So you want to be right,” they ask. “No,” I say. “I want to be factually correct.” Blank stares. “Also justice. I also want justice.” They then say, “You mean vengeance?” “No, the administration of justice.” “You’re crazy,” they say. “I think you’re projecting,” I say back. It gets ugly from there, so one of us usually just walks away at that point. #JamesOKeefe #OMG #ProjectVeritas #Politics #Corruption #Lies #Falsehood #Deception https://x.com/JamesOKeefeIII/status/1949496658896531755?s=19

ARMY OF ONE? I have read many accounts and stories about war. I am sure that we all have. One thing that is universally true in historical accounts and personal recollections is that there is strength in numbers. When you face an enemy by yourself you are much more vulnerable to attack. There are blind spots and areas vulnerable to attack when facing multiple foes. A soldier wears armor to protect himself and a weapon to attack the enemy. when two soldiers stand side by side they know that attacks won't come from the direction of their fellow soldier. With three soldiers this effect is even greater. Think of the ancient phalanx or the roman legion. Their shields would interlock and form a wall of protection. Their spears and swords would coordinate with each other to magnify their fighting power. Knowing that your brothers in arms are there to support you gives an added impetus to perform your duties. It strengthens your resolve because you know that they are depending on you. It gives meaning and purpose to your actions. Read this with these things in mind: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Ephesians 6:10-18 This is describing what a soldier would do when preparing for a coming battle. This is not what you would wear for every day living. It is designed for battle. As any soldier will tell you, the gear that they wear into battle isn't always comfortable but they know it's necessary. When we make our commitment to follow Christ it is not a casual thing. We are declaring war on Satan and those who follow him. I am not exaggerating. These verses describe what to do to be prepared for the battles we will surely find ourselves in. Make no mistake, we are vastly outnumbered. We will face attacks from all directions and in many unforeseen ways. Where are your Brothers and Sisters in Arms? Who will stand beside you in the battle? Who will guard your flank and watch your back? Who will step in to block an attack that you don't see coming? You see them and talk to them every time you gather together as a church body. When you pray with them you do battle in the spiritual realm. When you confront them about their sin you are watching their back. When you stop someone from spreading gossip you are extinguishing flaming darts from the enemy. When you gather together as one body you become an army instead of a bunch of individuals. This is the real meaning of these verses. Armor and weapons are meant for warriors not weaklings. Battles are for the strong. You can't be as strong by yourself as you can be with an army standing beside you. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:23-25 #Christ #Jesus #Bible #Armor #Weapon #Sword #Ephesians #Hebrews #Congregation #Church #Army #Warrior #ShieldWall

Most deceive themselves about their commitment to Christ. It is a high calling that few actually achieve. #JordanPeterson#Christ #Christian #Jesus #Bible #NarrowPath #Truth #SRS #ShawnRyan (55 seconds of truth) https://youtube.com/shorts/Ry7D_uAMOzE

QUERY: 1)What is a hidden tax? 2)List the top 15 hidden taxes in the USA that directly affect the individual. Include inflation and monetary devaluation and other things not traditionally considered taxes but which affect the value of the wealth of the normal citizen. 3)How much of the the GDP, by percentage, comes from hidden taxes? 4)What is the average total tax burden on American citizens and what portion of it is hidden taxes? _______________________ Bottom Line Up Front: The impact of hidden taxes varies by income level, with inflation and tariffs disproportionately affecting lower-income households. Average Total Tax Burden: Approximately 30% of income (explicit federal, state, and local taxes). Hidden Taxes Portion: Hidden taxes contribute 19.2–22.3% of income, making up 39–43% of the total economic burden Combined: 49.2–52.3% when including both explicit and hidden taxes. _______________________ GROK: A hidden tax is a cost imposed on individuals or businesses indirectly, often not perceived as a traditional tax like income or sales tax. These costs reduce purchasing power, wealth, or economic well-being through mechanisms like government policies, economic conditions, or regulations, without being explicitly labeled as taxes. Examples include inflation, monetary devaluation, and regulatory burdens that increase prices or diminish wealth. Top 15 Hidden Taxes in the USA Affecting Individuals Below is a list of 15 hidden taxes or tax-like effects that directly impact the average U.S. citizen’s wealth or purchasing power, including inflation and monetary devaluation, as well as other non-traditional costs: _______________________ Inflation Description: Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money as prices for goods and services rise over time. Often called a "hidden tax," it reduces the real value of savings and income, particularly for lower- and middle-income households. The federal government benefits as it repays debt with less valuable dollars. Impact: A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report highlights that inflation disproportionately affects lower- and middle-income households, with nominal GDP growth of 7.0% in Q2 2022 largely driven by inflation (1.8 trillion out of 2.1 trillion). Example: If inflation is 8% annually, $100 today buys what $92 would have last year. _______________________ Monetary Devaluation Description: When the U.S. dollar’s value weakens (e.g., through Federal Reserve policies increasing money supply), imports become more expensive, and the real value of savings declines. This acts like a tax by reducing what individuals can afford. Impact: Devaluation can boost exports but increases costs for consumers. For example, a weaker dollar raises import prices, contributing to inflation. Example: A devalued dollar might increase the cost of imported goods like electronics or oil. _______________________ Bracket Creep Description: As inflation pushes incomes into higher tax brackets without real income growth, individuals pay higher taxes without a corresponding increase in purchasing power. Some tax provisions (e.g., net investment income tax thresholds) are not indexed to inflation, exacerbating this. Impact: The CBO notes that bracket creep increases revenues by about 0.7% of GDP over the long run. Example: A 3% raise in a 5% inflation environment may push you into a higher tax bracket, reducing net income. _______________________ Regulatory Costs Description: Government regulations increase the cost of goods and services (e.g., environmental or safety standards), which businesses pass on to consumers through higher prices. Impact: Estimates suggest federal regulations cost households $14,000 annually in higher prices and reduced economic output (Competitive Enterprise Institute, 2023). Example: Stricter emissions standards raise car prices. _______________________ Tariffs Description: Tariffs on imported goods increase consumer prices, acting as a hidden tax. J.P. Morgan estimates recent tariffs could raise $400 billion, or 1.3% of GDP, and boost PCE prices by 1–1.5%. Impact: Consumers bear most of the cost, as seen with 2018–2019 tariffs on Chinese goods, which raised import prices nearly one-for-one. Example: A 25% tariff on steel increases costs for cars and appliances. _______________________ Corporate Tax Pass-Through Description: Corporate income taxes raise the cost of goods and services as businesses pass costs to consumers. Impact: The Tax Foundation estimates that 20–30% of corporate tax burdens fall on consumers via higher prices. Example: A company facing a 21% corporate tax may increase product prices to maintain margins. _______________________ Payroll Tax Effects on Wages Description: While payroll taxes (e.g., Social Security, Medicare) are visible, employers often reduce wages to offset their share, indirectly lowering take-home pay. Impact: The CBO estimates payroll taxes reduce wages by 6–8% for many workers. Example: An employer paying $3,000 in payroll taxes may offer a lower salary. _______________________ Fuel and Energy Taxes Description: Federal and state excise taxes on gasoline and energy are embedded in prices, often unnoticed by consumers. Impact: The average federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon, with states adding 20–50 cents more, increasing fuel costs. Example: Filling a 15-gallon tank includes about $5–10 in taxes. _______________________ Sin Taxes Description: Excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks are included in product prices, not separately itemized. Impact: These taxes add $1–$5 per pack of cigarettes or bottle of liquor, varying by state. Example: A $7 pack of cigarettes may include $2 in federal and state taxes. _______________________ Licensing and Permitting Fees Description: Fees for driver’s licenses, professional licenses, or building permits act as hidden taxes, increasing costs for individuals. Impact: The U.S. Department of the Interior and other agencies collect billions annually in such fees. Example: A $100 driver’s license fee over five years adds $20 annually to costs. _______________________ Property Tax Pass-Through in Rent Description: Landlords pass property taxes to tenants through higher rent, indirectly taxing renters. Impact: Property taxes average 1–2% of home value annually, with renters absorbing much of this in high-tax states. Example: A $2,000 monthly rent may include $200 for property taxes. _______________________ Sales Tax Embedded in Prices Description: While sales taxes are visible at checkout, some are embedded in business-to-business transactions, raising consumer prices. Impact: Studies estimate 10–20% of sales tax burdens are passed through supply chains, increasing retail prices. Example: A $100 item may include $2–$4 in embedded taxes. _______________________ Monetary Policy Interest Rate Effects Description: Federal Reserve policies raising interest rates to combat inflation increase borrowing costs for mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. Impact: Higher rates can add thousands annually to loan payments, acting like a tax on borrowers. Example: A 1% rate hike on a $300,000 mortgage adds $2,000/year in interest. _______________________ Currency Transaction Costs Description: Fees for currency exchange or international transactions (e.g., credit card foreign transaction fees) reduce disposable income. Impact: These fees cost consumers $10–$20 billion annually, per industry estimates. Example: A 3% fee on a $1,000 overseas purchase adds $30. _______________________ Unfunded Pension Liabilities Description: Public sector pension shortfalls may lead to future tax hikes or service cuts, indirectly taxing individuals. Impact: States like Illinois face $100 billion+ in unfunded liabilities, potentially requiring 1–2% GDP in future taxes. Example: Higher state taxes to fund pensions reduce disposable income. _______________________ GDP Impact of Hidden Taxes Estimating the precise percentage of GDP attributed to hidden taxes is challenging due to their indirect nature and varying definitions. However, we can approximate based on available data: Inflation: In Q2 2022, inflation contributed $1.8 trillion to nominal GDP growth of $2.1 trillion, or roughly 7% of GDP, acting as a "hidden tax" by eroding purchasing power. Tariffs: Recent tariffs are estimated to generate $400 billion, or 1.3% of GDP. Regulatory Costs: The Competitive Enterprise Institute estimates regulatory costs at $2 trillion annually, or about 7–8% of GDP. Bracket Creep: The CBO estimates bracket creep adds 0.7% of GDP to revenues. Other Hidden Taxes: Corporate tax pass-through, embedded sales taxes, and other fees may conservatively add 1–2% of GDP. Rough Total Estimate: Combining these, hidden taxes could account for 10–15% of GDP annually, with inflation and regulatory costs being the largest contributors. This is a rough estimate, as impacts vary by year and economic conditions, and some costs (e.g., monetary devaluation) are harder to quantify precisely. Notes The impact of hidden taxes varies by income level, with inflation and tariffs disproportionately affecting lower-income households. Average Total Tax Burden: Approximately 30% of income (explicit federal, state, and local taxes). Hidden Taxes Portion: Hidden taxes contribute 19.2–22.3% of income, making up 39–43% of the total economic burden (49.2–52.3%) when including both explicit and hidden taxes. #HiddenTaxes #TaxBurden #Inflation #MonetaryDevaluation #BracketCreep #RegulatoryCosts #Tariff #CorporateTaxPassThrough #PayrollTax #FuelTaxes #SinTaxes #LicensingFees #PropertyTax #RentTax #EmbeddedSalesTax #UnfundedPensions #Inflation #Devaluation #Regulations #Licensing #SalesTax #InterestRates #Pensions #Tax #Taxes #Taxation #TaxationIsTheft

So, if you are a true anarchist then what: You refuse to pay taxes? You refuse to register your vehicle? You refuse to get a driver's license? You refuse to transact in dollars? Being an anarchist at heart doesn't excuse you from the consequences of disobeying the current laws. Learning how to navigate that legal landscape in order to stay out of jail and reduce how much the government steals from you doesn't make you a statist. It makes you a grown up.

MEN Listen to this. This is wisdom. This is the way. #Responsibility #Duty #Commitment #Christ #Jesus #God #GodlyMan #NickFreitas https://youtu.be/7w49jkd0WKM

I asked Grok to evaluate @TheSurvivalPodc on X. I thought it's answer was interesting. **The Survival Podcast** (@TheSurvivalPodc), hosted by Jack Spirko, is a well-established show running since 2008, focusing on modern survivalism, self-reliance, sustainability, and personal empowerment. With over 2,489 episodes, it covers a wide range of topics like homesteading, permaculture, Bitcoin, prepping, personal defense, and economic trends, aiming to help listeners "live a better life, if times get tough or even if they don’t." Here’s an evaluation based on available information:[](https://podcast.app/the-survival-podcast-p3975)[](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-survival-podcast/id284148583) ### Strengths: 1. **Comprehensive Content**: The podcast addresses diverse subjects, from practical skills like food storage and permaculture to financial strategies like cryptocurrency and economic preparedness. Episodes often blend low-tech and high-tech solutions, reflecting a “Synthesis Age” approach to modern challenges.[](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-survival-podcast/id284148583)[](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-survival-podcast/id284148583) 2. **Engaging Format**: It features a mix of solo episodes, expert council Q&As, interviews, and listener feedback, keeping content dynamic. Regular segments like “Friday Flashbacks” revisit older episodes, providing context and accessibility for new listeners.[](https://podcasts.apple.com/jm/podcast/the-survival-podcast/id284148583)[](https://podcast.app/the-survival-podcast-p3975) 3. **Community Building**: Spirko emphasizes community through platforms like Discord, Telegram, and the Members Brigade, fostering listener interaction. The podcast’s philosophy encourages proactive living and practical solutions, resonating with those seeking self-sufficiency.[](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-survival-podcast/id284148583)[](https://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/welcome-center/shows-for-new-liteners) 4. **Listener Impact**: Reviews highlight its transformative effect, with listeners crediting it for changing their approach to preparedness and lifestyle. Many appreciate Spirko’s ability to break down complex topics into actionable insights.[](https://podbay.fm/p/the-survival-podcast/reviews) 5. **Consistency and Longevity**: Daily updates and a 16-year run demonstrate reliability and dedication, with a loyal audience praising its depth and relevance.[](https://podcasts.apple.com/jm/podcast/the-survival-podcast/id284148583)[](https://podbay.fm/p/the-survival-podcast/reviews) ### Criticisms: 1. **Host’s Style**: Spirko’s straightforward, sometimes confrontational tone can be polarizing. Some listeners find his rants or political tangents (e.g., election fraud claims) off-putting or off-topic, suggesting a skip button is handy.[](https://podbay.fm/p/the-survival-podcast/reviews) 2. **Bitcoin Focus**: Several reviews note an overemphasis on Bitcoin, which some feel is irrelevant in true survival scenarios, potentially alienating listeners uninterested in cryptocurrency.[](https://podbay.fm/p/the-survival-podcast/reviews) 3. **Content Bloat**: With episodes often running 1-2 hours, some find the show overly verbose, with occasional rants overshadowing practical advice. Critics suggest it could benefit from tighter editing or more guest-driven content.[](https://podbay.fm/p/the-survival-podcast/reviews) 4. **Niche Appeal**: The podcast’s libertarian-leaning, anti-establishment perspective and focus on prepping may not suit all audiences, particularly those sensitive to strong opinions or seeking less intense survival content.[](https://podbay.fm/p/the-survival-podcast/reviews) ### Recent Activity (2025): Recent posts on X show the podcast remains active, with episodes tackling homesteading’s resurgence, legal and financial aspects of self-defense, and topics like stablecoins, AI, and tariffs. This reflects its ongoing relevance to current events and listener interests. ### Overall: **The Survival Podcast** is a robust resource for those interested in self-reliance and preparedness, offering practical advice and a strong community focus. Its breadth and Spirko’s passion make it a standout, though its opinionated style and niche topics may not appeal to everyone. It’s best suited for listeners open to a mix of survivalism, libertarian philosophy, and forward-thinking strategies. For a deeper dive, check specific episodes on their site (thesurvivalpodcast.com) or platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.[](https://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com)[](https://open.spotify.com/show/0os0ILY7dWrUWqQOlNyLFH) #SurvivalPodcast #ModernSurvivalism #SelfReliance #Prepping #Homesteading #Permaculture #Bitcoin #SelfDefense #SustainableLiving #EconomicPreparedness #OffGrid #SurvivalSkills #Libertarian #CommunityBuilding #PracticalPrepper

Good and Evil are though of as a spectrum. Light and Dark are also thought of this way. But I want you to think of it a different way. True darkness is the absence of all light, just as Evil is the absence of good. If you look at the Biblical description of hell, it describes a total separation from God. What is God? What are His attributes? How is he described? We can not fully understand everything about God, so some of these descriptions can give us a partial understanding. God is Light: 1 John 1:5, John 8:12 God is the source of all that is good: James 1:17 So separation from God would result in complete darkness (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13) and an absence of all good things/feelings. Again, this would not be a sliding scale, because that would require some measure of goodness to enter the equation. Remember that the source of all goodness is severed from those in hell. So absence of all light (total darkness) Absence of all physical goodness (complete suffering and indescribable torment) Absence of all emotional goodness (only despair, regret, hate, anger, apathy, etc.) Absence of Hope (Heaven and Hell are eternal) Perhaps this is the reason it is described in terms of weeping, and burning, and anguish. This may be the closest we can get to understanding what complete separation from God would be like. There is no one here on Earth who is in this state now. Whatever you experience here can not compare to what will happen then, whether good or ill. Whichever destination we arrive at, it will be because we chose it. It will not be outside of our control. There will be no one else to blame. God will honor our choice... #Heaven #Hell #Eternity #Bible #Judgement #Sin #Christ #Jesus #God