Raoul’s Two Cents: July 12, 2024
A Divided Country
WARNING: Very political topic.Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.
If you keep up with the news, I betcha you’re just as frustrated as I am. You think you know the truth. The evidence is as clear as day and yet you see people in the “other side” spewing nonsense with authority. You look for people on “your side” to exchange the latest gossip and avoid speaking about politics with the “other side” because it takes too much drama. So each of us sits on our “safe side” and drift further and further apart.
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IllogicalPeople2.jpg)
Which is more important — party loyalty or loyalty to country? It’s not the same thing. The winds of political ideology shift with the current party leadership and it takes an objective eye to see the truth. Fight for our country NOT for the party! If we all do that the chasm between us will narrow.
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/video-RobinWilliams-Flag.jpg)
This is how I see America today. The democrats are in panic mode. Despite what people have been saying for years about Biden’s dementia, they are shocked that it’s true. Doesn’t that tell you how far removed they’ve been from reality? Doesn’t that tell you that the news media has been feeding them lies? Even among the stalwarts of media, many of the talking heads are fumbling whether they should continue the narrative. They’re like chickens without a head. Many prominent Democrats are asking Joe to step down but Jill and Hunter Biden are blocking the stampede. And even if Joe steps down, who will carry the Liberal flag? Will there be enough time to create a new narrative for their new hero to appeal to the swing voters? The decision needs to be done soon because the DNC (Democratic National Convention) comes (I think) at the end of the month. What a mess!
On the Republican side they’ve got huge rallies with die-hard Trumpers. Yet their enthusiasm is dampened by their fear of election fraud. All that anticipation is centered around a single individual with major character flaws. The status quo is at stake. Is he capable of uniting the country?
Whichever side wins, half of America will believe this will be the start of the end. America is a country divided even now. An earthquake has shaken the very foundation this nation was built on. What are we to do?
In times of uncertainty, I always look at the Bible. We may not know the details between points A and B but we know where it leads to. Interpretations may vary but the prophecies are never wrong. I’m not an expert in the end times so I listened to Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s exposition of Revelations (the final book of the Bible).
Revelation-Unveiling the End, Act 3: The Final Curtain
There will be a rapture. There will indeed be the battle of Armagedon where nations from all around the world will gather with their forces. The preparation and events leading to this confrontation will be carefully crafted but the actual slaughter will not last long.
Chuck came up with 4 conclusions:
- The absence of America is surprising – ie. America is not a prominent factor in the final battle.
- The presence of demonic activity is frightening
- The resurgence of interest in the Bible – there will be a hunger for the truth
- The influence of Christ is compelling
That’s a lot to unravel and it still left me with a question: So what are we to do in the meantime? I like Chuck’s suggestion:
“The best thing to do to prepare for the coming of Christ is to tell people about Christ. It becomes for them an escape … a rescue from the horrors that remain yet future.” — Chuck Swindoll
But this is just me. TGIF people!
“Fear is often our immediate response to uncertainty. There’s nothing wrong with experiencing fear. They key is not to get stuck in it.” — Gabrielle Bernstein
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. “ — Isaiah 40:31
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Thanks to Maria of Norwalk, CA
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Annoyances.jpg)
Parting Shots
Thanks to Benny of Chicago
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gladiator-Entertained.jpg)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BothEyes.jpg)
Thanks to Vincent of New Jersey
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bach.jpg)
Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DontLetUgly.jpg)
Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pastors-Art.jpg)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HotSign-Art.jpg)
Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Friends-Know-Tom.jpg)
Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Virgin-Maling.jpg)
Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Herman-SpagettiVSOnions.jpg)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Herman-Stick.jpg)
I found these:
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0938.jpg)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MadeAroundCorner.jpg)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BadMoodOffice.jpg)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/StarTrek-Liquid.jpg)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/StarTrek-GroovySpock.jpg)
My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TBoy122-338.gif)
![](https://travelingboy.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TBoy122-339.gif)
Tom of Pasadena
July 12, 2024 at 6:06 am
I loved your political opening remarks and especially Robin Williams. Seen him before but needed that again. I resent the wedge being thrust between parties and other labels such as liberal and conservative.
We are Citizens and must try to cooperate with each other in building Unity in our many endeavors.
Thanks for keeping us Smilling. Tom of Pasadena
Larry
July 12, 2024 at 6:07 am
Yes, you are right. The political landscape in America is cracked and breaking down. I remember the situation in Chicago under Mayor Daley. The absence of debate. The almost totalitarian state. Biden is old and lost. Trump is old and belligerent. Who carries the flag? Christ. The only answer. TGIF
Heather
July 12, 2024 at 2:12 pm
Amen to that X zillions!!!!
Chuck
July 12, 2024 at 2:13 pm
Hi Brother Raoul,
Your conclusion is correct. The main thing of course is what Jesus said, “No body knows the date or time of the end; only the Father.” When it comes down to it; if you are doing what Jesus in the Good News tells us we should be doing then “Not to Worry”!! Don’t look to man. Even Good Men can be wrong. I was so saddened to learn that even a Good Man like Chuck Smith, who started Calvary Chapel didn’t believe Jesus enough; Pastor Smith predicted that the world would end in 1982. (What happened!?) As good as he was, he was only a man.
I saw a Tee shirt online today that read: The fact that it is only a “Stairway to Heaven, but a Highway to Hell..says a lot..”; is almost the same as what Jesus said. Matt. 7: 13-14 , 13:23-24 But as far as I know, Jesus never wore Tee Shirts. Why Worry about the End if one has absolutely No control over it. Just simply do what Jesus told us to do and you’ll OK.
Pat
July 12, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Your weekly emails always make me smile, but this one was one of my favorites. Thank you for always brightening my Fridays!
Pat
Hilda
July 13, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Character flow over corruption and dimenta? I’ll take character flow with a stronger nation.
Sylvia
July 13, 2024 at 7:31 pm
Your article was prophetic. How did you know there would be an assassination attempt on Trump?
James
July 13, 2024 at 7:32 pm
Trump got hit.
I heard the gunman was killed at the scene. Sounds like another Lee Harvey Oswald coverup by the CIA.