Tag Archives: political talking points

The Intent to Deceive

Posted on April 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Lying is one of those traits which doesn’t mean what it once did in the United States. There was a time before lawyers got involved that a handshake agreement was as good as gold. This was during an era where a name and your word reflected upon the character and integrity of an individual. Unfortunately, those days are gone, replaced by an intent to deceive, either for personal gain or to avoid punishment.

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said, Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken [as your own], for she is a man’s wife. 4 But Abimelech had not come near her, so he said, Lord, will you slay a people who are just and innocent? – Genesis 20:3-4.

Rather than call lying for what it is, cable news anchors, journalists, and reporters play the intent to deceive game by using words like “this is controversial, it’s a right-wing conspiracy or that’s fake news. Due to collusion between the global elite, print and social media, the intent to deceive continues daily via political talking points as every member of the mainstream media reads off the same script, in locked step together.

Did not the man tell me, She is my sister? And she herself said, He is my brother. In integrity of heart and innocency of hands I have done this. 6 Then God said to him in the dream, Yes, I know you did this in the integrity of your heart, for it was I Who kept you back and spared you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not give you occasion to touch her, Genesis 20:5-6.

Human nature causes Christians to play this game as well. Abraham is the mastermind behind two separate deceptions: Genesis 12:9-20 and Genesis 20:1-6. Perhaps, Abraham thought, “this worked before, let’s try it again.” According to King Solomon, lying is a byproduct of not fully trusting God, Proverbs 3:5-6. Like the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:33-34, until a complete trust in God is formed, human beings will continue to possess an intent to deceive.

by Jay Mankus

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What’s Really Behind the Vaxxed Verses the Unvaxxed Debate

Posted on November 5, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Beginning in March of 2020, American citizens were given a series of instructions based upon the Coronavirus Task Force. These medical experts urged people to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. This was followed by wearing masks whenever you go, staying six feet apart, and don’t go to work if you have any initial signs of a cold. By the end of 2020, Covid-19 vaccines were made available for essential workers. Despite this progress, Democrats were skeptical of Operation Warp Speed run by President Trump that resulted in the creation of 3 different vaccines. It wasn’t until President Biden’s inauguration in January of 2021 where vaccinations went from optional, to highly recommended to mandatory.

Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He [b]takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving], 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Without considering any biblical implications yet, you have to understand the mind of a politician. As the Democratic party leaders lean further and further to the left each year, there is a mastermind who has a playbook to follow. Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky offers a strategy to gradually shape opinions toward your point of view. This book introduced the concept “never let a crisis go to waste.” If you look back to Democratic led areas, state of emergencies were created and extended month after month. Local businesses were forced to comply with these mandates or else face heavy fines. Meanwhile, many of the creators of these new policies followed the principle, “do what I say, not as I do.”

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, marked off the heavens with a [nine-inch] span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has taught Him? – Isaiah 40:12-13

The cure for the Coronavirus began with follow the science. While this may have been true initially, doctors, medical experts, and scientists who deviated from political talking points began to become banned, removed or silenced by social media sites. Subsequently, follow the science was replaced by if you don’t get vaccinated you are going to kill other people. This mantra was repeated over and over again as a way to bully those on the fence into submission. While health, personal, and religious exceptions were initially promised, businesses and states are now firing anyone who hasn’t complied. This decision has left countless skilled workers without a job. Only God knows what the future holds, but if you follow the science, herd immunity and those with the antibodies following their recovery, likely won’t need the annual booster shots that the vaccinated now need to take.

by Jay Mankus

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Stop Talking and Start Leading

Posted on July 20, 2019 by expressyourself4him

The politicalization of current events has made most cable news networks nearly impossible to watch for more than one segment.  Instead of answering questions presented by a host, guests regularly dodge, evade and redirect conversation to add the latest political talking point.  Meanwhile, as candidates compete for their parties presidential nomination, debating the issues has been replaced by name calling, personal attacks and smearing an opponents’ character.  Perhaps, its time for all politicians to stop talking and start leading.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God, James 1:19-20.

Growing up in the shadow of his older brother, James couldn’t compete with Jesus.  While its not mentioned in the Bible, I’m sure Mary challenged her younger son to be more like Jesus.  Subsequently, a sibling rivalry began which blinded James from seeing that his brother was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament.  Following Jesus’ resurrection, a convicted heart led James to write “be quick to hear and slow to speak.”  A modern translation is simply shut up and listen.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity, 1 Timothy 4:12.

The Greek language uses three terms which serve as modes of persuasion to convince an audience to follow what you believe.  Ethos is the ethical means by which your actions make you a credible person who can be trusted.  Pathos is a quality of an experience in life like a testimony which creates an emotional connection with an audience.  Finally, logos relies on facts, logic and statistics to persuade individuals to come to your point of view.  My advice to anyone seeking to pursue a political office, stop talking and start leading.

by Jay Mankus

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Straight Out of the Saul Alinsky’s Playbook

Posted on June 7, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Saul David Alinsky was born in 1909.  During the span of his 63 years on earth, Alinsky invested most of his time as a community organizer, socialist and writer.  Saul Alinsky is best known for his 1971 book Rules for Radicals.  Modern leaders such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have credited Alinsky for successfully running movements for change.  Saul Alinsky’s book contains 13 rules to promote social change.  Three of these rules are applied by the mainstream media daily.

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, Hebrews 5:11-12.

As I hear, read or see another conservative being attacked, criticized or slandered by Hollywood elites, liberals and progressives, you can make the connection that these troubling comments are coming straight out of Saul Alinsky’s playbook.  For example, the fifth rule states that ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.  If you watch modern comedy shows, jeering, mockery and scorn emulates this rule.  Meanwhile, the eighth rule: Keep the pressure on serves as a mantra to chip away at the founding of America’s Judeo Christian values.  Finally, political talking points are shared throughout cable news and print media outlets to fulfill rule thirteen: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.

But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul refers to what the world will be like during the end times, prior to Jesus’ second coming.  Perhaps, constant vulgar comments are merely a sign of individuals turning away from God.  This void is being replaced by deceitful and seductive spirits causing once normal human beings to act like crazy people.  If this trend continues, doctrines of demons will spread into all avenues of life, corrupting souls and poisoning minds.  May these troubling times serve as a wake up call to test everything you hear, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.  The more you study the word of God, your eyes will be opened to Satan’s attacks against faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Too Many Pinocchios and Not Enough Average Joes

Posted on February 8, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The Adventures of Pinocchio was first published in 1883 by Italian author Carlo Collodi.  Disney released the animated version of Pinocchio in 1940.  This puppet created by the woodcarver Geppetto serves as the protagonist of this film.  Magically brought to life, Pinocchio discovers a shocking reality about truth.  Each time Pinocchio tells a lie, the size of his nose immediately grows.  This standard has been adopted  by members of the media to illustrate the honest from those who distort the truth.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight, Proverbs 12:22.

Unfortunately, when you place a camera in front of most politicians, exaggerations, fake outrage and misleading statements flow.  When you add political talking points to this equation, the concept of cable news panels is becoming a pointless exercise.  If experts, guests and hosts are merely going to regurgitate what their side believes to be true, all you have each night in America for evening news is political spin, often void of truth.  This cycle goes on and on with too many Pinocchios and not enough average Joes.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish, Proverbs 19:9.

In his 1990 album The Great Exchange, Bruce Carroll released the song Average Joe.  The lyrics refer to an average American family at the time, hard working, church attending and God fearing.  The chorus sings about the power of God flowing through the lives of averages Joes.  Back in the early nineties, this song was considered normal, socially acceptable.  Nearly, thirty years later, progressive ideas has labeled this concept as divisive, judgmental and non-inclusive.  Unless modern Pinocchios are exposed, held accountable and removed from power, average families are in danger of disappearing, shamed into conforming to the ways of the world.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Viral Anger

Posted on July 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As I was waiting to see my eye doctor today, I came across an interesting page in Time Magazine.  The article was entitled Viral Anger, addressing the growing dangers of social media in America.  The author compared this condition to an illness, spreading like a contagious disease which is making those who engage sick.

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way, Proverbs 19:2.

Although I agree with the premise of this piece, there is a fatal flaw not addressed.  Currently, mainstream media bases the majority of cable news programing on political talking points.  These slogans and sound bytes are passed on to elite members of the press and communicated via cable, magazines and news papers.  This is the fuel which ignites daily dumpster fires on Twitter.  Until major networks begins reporting the facts, opinion based journalism will continue to spawn viral anger.

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends, Proverbs 16:28.

Social media has opened a modern day Pandora’s Box, giving any self seeking individual the opportunity to instantly share what’s on their mind.  Without any filters, thoughts freely flow with the click of a button.  There was a time in this country when parents taught their children, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it!”  These days are gone, replaced by people seeking fifteen minutes of fame through blogs, tweets or you tube channels.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly, 2 Timothy 2:16.

The byproduct of social media is like a fulfillment of the passage above.  However, instead of spreading first century heresy, viral anger is poisoning souls like an outbreak of gangrene.  The only practical solution that I see is to replace negative news with a Positive News Network.  If modern cable providers carry 24 hour television channels for any thinkable topic, it’s time for entrepreneurs to create an outlet which tells the whole story of an issue.  Since I don’t see anyone putting social media back into Pandora’s Box, perhaps a source of encouragement like a PNN will be the cure to defeat viral anger.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Fake News

Posted on December 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Some credit Joseph Goebbels as one of the forefathers of fake news.  Goebbels served as Adolf Hitler’s Propaganda Minister in Nazi Germany.  However, historians point to an earlier date, based upon Hitler’s 1925 book Mein Kampt which conceived the concept of “the big lie.”  If you repeat a lie over and over again, those who hear it will begin to belief it as truth.

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator, Colossians 3:9-10.

Bogus, counterfeit and phony are words synonomous with being fake.  In the days and weeks following Hillary Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election, the liberal media is blaming her defeat on fake news.  Unfortunately, with ninety percent of cable, newspapers and universities on her side, there has to be a better explanation.  Perhaps, the slogan Stronger Together didn’t resonate with voters.

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light, Luke 8:17.

One of the reasons fake news exists today is through a commonly held worldview.  Postmodernism believes individuals create our their own reality, there is no absolute truth and that all moral values are relative.  These core beliefs set the stage for fake news.  Subsequently, when someone does not like the outcome of an event, decision or new legislation, fake news is spread through political talking points to override the will of the people.  May those who spread these lies be exposed by the Holy Spirit for all to see.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Astroturf

Posted on December 8, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Prior to 2009, astroturf was merely an all purpose athletic surface, created for professional sports franchises in cities with baseball and football teams in 1965.  However, as soon as the Tea Party spread to the local level, poising a threat to democrats, liberals and republicans in power, this term was given a new meaning.  Fueled by political talking points, this phrase was repeated countless times by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed, attempting to de-emphasize the genuine nature of this grassroots movement.

Fast foward 6 years and the shoe now is on the other foot.  The recent protests across this country following the verdict in the Ferguson, Missouri Grand Jury of officer Darren Wilson are being organized by Occupy Wall Street.  Although the media is portraying these marches in metropolitan cities as a natural out crying of support, Moveon.org is active behind the scenes pulling the strings.  If the mainstream media possessed a conservative agenda, perhaps astroturf would make a comeback.  Yet, for now, viewers of the news must be careful of symbolism over substance.

If you are searching for leadership, results over time will reveal truth from fiction.  While force is the choice for many protestors, history conveys a different message.  Transformation is possible, but not with violence.  Rather, trend setters like Jesus, Martin Luther King and Ghandi displayed love to touch a generation.  Therefore, don’t let what others say influence the crowds you join.  When you see the genuine thing in person, you can distinguish astroturf from men of action.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Twisting Words

Posted on December 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The game of Twister is classic interactive board game of bending your body in all sorts of positions.  Before Ice Breakers were a common teaching aid, Twister was a great activity for getting to know a group of people.  Men in Black II even devotes a scene of their movie to this game as the light of Zartha passes time with aliens.  However, when words are twisted toward your direction, pain can be felt beneath the surface of your body, affecting your heart and deflating your soul.

Exodus 23:8 introduces the Israelites to God’s vision for social justice.  Although its normal to embrace likable individuals, God warns human being against showing favoritism.  If practiced, justice can be perverted when allegiances are made, opening the door for bribes.  This temptation blinds society from the truth as political talking points are exchanged in place of integrity.  As a result, the words of the righteous are twisted, becoming campaign slogans, trashing reputations for a chance at re-election or taking control of power in Washington DC.

There was a time not so long ago that liars were called out, held accountable for the words they have spoken.  I guess when the Bible is replaced by social agendas, right and wrong have turned to gray and opinions elevated to a fact status.  Its’ no wonder Jesus said in his day, “you have ears but do not hear and eyes, but do not see!”  May this blog cause people to stop, reflect and think about their lives.  Through God’s grace, may twisting words cease, replaced by words of love, joy and peace, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

by Jay Mankus

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