Raoul’s Two Cents: October 3, 2025
Liar Liar Pants on Fire
If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.
I was shocked at the arrogance of some politicians in recent videos. Here in the US and other advanced countries, politicians and businessmen (who have enriched themselves) constantly lie through their teeth as though there were no consequence. And what’s even more remarkable is that there are people who actually believe them.
There was a recent typhoon in the Philippines. Towns were flooded, many homes were lost and people drowned. The Filipinos went up in arms against the abusive politicians who they accused of pocketing funds that should have gone to flood control. These unremorseful, untouchable, expensively dressed politicians who were brought to court defiantly defended their dignity and innocence. Great actors every one of them. And to add insult to injury, they’re probably getting away scott-free.
I encourage you to watch a light-hearted documentary available in Amazon Prime: The Giant Beast That is The Global Economy. Look for Episode 8: A Global Corruption Tour. Hard to believe there are people so callous and entitled.

I don’t think I’d make a good politician. I remember Prep school when I still didn’t know how to lie. I was riding a school bus with much older students. One of the rowdy ones threw a glass bottle outside and the teacher on board stopped the bus and demanded to know who did it. Nobody said anything. I was frozen with my hands on my side as I sat in the big bus chair. Unconsciously, my little finger went up and pointed at the older boy. The teacher saw it. Everyone else saw it. The rebel was disciplined. Later, all the other boys were mocking me because of what I had done. It didn’t last long because they realized I was an innocent lamb who didn’t know the rules of silence and protection. My honesty could have turned out real bad for me but I had a much older uncle whom everyone feared.
It’s easy to judge and condemn others but consider this: Have you ever told a lie? Does a bear poop in the woods? Of course! Everybody lies! Everyone has lied at some point in their lives. Remember the 1997 Jim Carrey movie, Liar Liar? The movie demonstrates that there are times when we may need to lie for the better good. For instance, if a man’s 300 lb wife asks if she is fat, should he tell her the truth? Have you lied about your income to the IRS? Have you lied about your age to get a discount? Have you exaggerated your resume?
Corrie ten Boom is famous for her honesty. In the 1940s, her family was arrested for hiding Jews from the Nazis. Earlier during the occupation, her family lied about not owning a radio in order to keep abreast with the war news. Shouldn’t they have also lied to protect themselves? Where’s the consistency?
Who decides who lies? You? Me? A judge? What do you think? I honestly don’t know. But I do know two things. 1) You can’t fool God. And justice may not be apparent in this lifetime but it will certainly show up in the afterlife. Not to worry. 2) Our salvation is based on who Christ is to us and not on how honest we are. And that’s the truth!
But this is just me. TGIF people!
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Quotes of the Week
“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” — APJ. Abdul Kalam
“The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference.” — Bess Myerson
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned” — John 3:18
Joke of the Week
Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, California

Videos of the Week
Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Thanks to Beth of Tempe, Arizona

Parting Shots
Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, California

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA


Thanks to Andrew of Virginia Beach


Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA


Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Mona of New York



Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA


I found these:


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


Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!



















Larry
October 13, 2025 at 1:37 pm
Do you know that Boss Tweed who ran New York in the 1800’s was a relative of mine?
Tamanny Hall was his political party or outfit or something like that.
Corruption was the name of the game. I grew up in Chicago under Mayor Richard Daley. He was corrupt. The called it the Irish Mafia.
I understand that politics is dirty and not responsive to the people.
That is why we need Religious charities and we need God fearing leaders to be in touch with the people.
Our leaders need a true Christian foundation and focus to deal with problems.
No solution can be found without Christ.
TGIF
Heather
October 13, 2025 at 1:37 pm
Growing up is easier if you have parents who tell you to never start a fight, but you can finish it! In grammar School I have always been the logical person and when people wanted to fight somebody always came and got me. They would tell me they wanted to kill each other and I would say but you were just playing double dutch why would you want to do that? That would be the end of the fight and they go back to jumping rope. Another gift I got from my parents wish to never be prejudice. I was born just when world war II was breaking out. At the end of the war people came to United States from all over the world. Everybody got along everybody wanted to learn to speak English and nobody fought with anybody they were happy to be in a country where nobody was shooting at them and they didn’t have to hide. When you think about it, this is a very short trip so to make the best of it do your best. Also always look for the best in others. And… Always do the right thing. Expect nothing and be pleasantly surprised. Over and out for now.
Tom
October 13, 2025 at 1:38 pm
Sounds like politicians in the Philippines resemble ours here where they will have the government cease to operate and then blame each other for its ceasing to exist. The recent fires show a real problem. equipment unfit for use etc.
Take care Tom of Pasadena. I am forwarding your work!