Raoul’s Two Cents: February 6, 2025

2025 Observations

It’s been a fast paced political frenzy here in the U.S. There’s been a lot of firing, a lot of scandalous revelation and a lot of screaming going on. Here are some general (anecdotal) observations.

Dr. Evil

Back in the 60s when Dr. No and Goldfinger threatened mankind they were movie scenarios that tickled our imagination. I don’t know if you realize this, but those evil super villains in those James Bond movies are actually alive today. We thought no one would actually want to destroy mankind and even if they wanted to, they wouldn’t have the power, the money nor leverage to actually do it. But now there are billionaires born every minute who could potentially fit that role. And yes, I believe there are people who are so embittered they want to destroy the world. Why? When you have more money than you’ll ever need, what other challenges are there left to conquer? Without God, this is the only world that exists so why not do something no one else has ever done like maybe … I dunno … destroy civilization? Wouldn’t that be fun?

Complainers

There are many who are screaming about the political upheavals. Notice they’re not citing any solutions to stop the corruption; they just want the witch hunt to stop. Their desperateness only reveals their guilt. Maybe they should be the first to be investigated. Surprisingly some are so detached, they’re posting videos asking for donations because they were fired from their lucrative non-essential jobs.

Internet Providers

The days of those internet providers like Spectrum, ATT, Verizon (Frontier), etc., are numbered. In the future, with a flick of a switch, Elon’s Starlink will be able do the job better than all of his competitors. Disappearing are the days when we need physical ethernet cables that connect to the modem, to the local cable box, to the satellite posts and to the mother base. With Starlink, anyone in the world can be connected by signals from Starlink satellites hovering miles above us. However, I am concerned that this will give too much power to just one man.

College

Why spend $60k a year for a prestigious diploma from an Ivy League College when you can take the courses online? Yup! Even now, the students interact via digital zoom classes anyway. (Of course there are advanced studies that are not available yet.) Did you know, the tech savvy ones even project their AI personas (that look and talk like them) to attend class for them? They even use AI to do their homework. Sadly, one thing these colleges don’t do is teach emotional maturity.

Divided World Views

People live in different realities. And within each reality are levels that further divide. It is when some want to create and impose their realities to others that the conflict begins. Even though I believe there is only God’s reality (some may say that is debatable), I know it’s hard but, I suggest open discourse and respect are the remedies to iron out the differences. BTW, there’s a very interesting article in Traveling Boy written by someone who was trapped in a Mental Institution for ten days. When you’re in there, you are forced to question your reality.

Future Jobs

Whole industries (like the trucking industry) are being replaced by AI and robot technology. Many schools are run by teachers who can’t find real jobs so they teach their skills which are obsolete. (Of course I’m talking in generalities.)

Healers

The healing profession is an oxymoron. Doctors and dentists exist to help us. But if they do their job too well, they would be working their way out of a job. So is the trick to heal patients only so much so that they need to occasionally “recharge?” And doctors are told what meds to recommend by the powerful pharmaceutical companies. That’s why their business is called a “practice” — they cross their fingers and practice what would work. A compounding pharmacist client of mine revealed the doctors go to her for advice. And remember, the drug researchers are there for the money. To cure is secondary. (Of course I’m talking generalities — I have some very good friends in the health industry who are actually helping people.)

The Bottom Line

The future may seem perilous but we have always been faced with the half empty glass. It will always be our perspective that will pull us out of our misery. And for me, my stability and hope come from God above. If we remain faithful, He will provide and lead us to a positive future. Bob Dylan wrote a song back in 1964 and the lyrics are just as relevant then as they are today (see below).

An excerpt from The Times They are a Changin’ written by Bob Dylan in 1964:

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’

What do you think? Did I hit a nerve? Am I thinking too much? Did I bore you to death? I think 2025 is gonna be a great year! TGIF people!

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” — John C. Maxwell

“The people who are crazy enough to change the world are the ones who do.” — Steve Jobs

“Open your heart to change but do not change your values.” — Dalai Lama

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3: 5-6

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Parting Shots

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Joanne of Hacienda Heights, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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