Over the past week, millions of documents from the infamous “Epstein Files” were made public. Much of what they revealed confirmed allegations long dismissed as the ravings of so-called conspiracy theorists. For many doubters, the veil was lifted to reveal the depth of depravity many of the world’s leaders and popular celebrities wallowed in. From kidnapping girls, to breeding for black market baby sales, to forced abortions for organ harvesting, to even darker rituals of satanic sacrifices and cannibalism, those that thought they were protected and untouchable participated in acts that would make the ancient pagans blush. When it comes to the heart of man, there is nothing new under the sun. This is not isolated wickedness, nor the private sickness of a few individuals—it is the inevitable outworking of a society that has opend the door to, embraced, and celebrated, all manner of evil.
Anyone willing to step back and honestly survey the world can reach only one conclusion: when evil people take control of institutions, disorder becomes the norm and degeneracy of every flavour flourishes and permeates all levels of society. Such chaos does not arise accidentally; it is the natural outcome of moral inversion at the highest levels. We are told the great divisions are left and right, male and female, native and immigrant, gay and straight, and dare I say, normal and weird. These divisions are not the cause of our crisis—they are the labels that hides it. Yet beneath these surface conflicts lies the real divide: the ongoing battle between good and evil, light and darkness. Those that think evil is merely a human construct and not an objective, measured reality have been silenced by the revelations of glee and glibness with which evil criminal acts were so easily spoken of in the released emails.
Once evil is acknowledged as real rather than theoretical, it can no longer be dismissed as a political failure or societal accident. What we are witnessing is not simply cultural decay or rot, but a spiritual conflict on a scale that is difficult to grasp. The Epstein files, if they tell us anything at all, reveal that evil is real, organized, and unapologetic in its horrific treatment of others. Men elevate and celebrate the death and torture of others and treat humanity as disposable. They find pleasure in destroying those who were created in the image of God as a vengeful act against the God they hate. The world is not the pleasant place many thought it was.
Yet recognition of evil is not surrender to it. Cities are crumbling, nations are falling, empires are collapsing, and people are dying because evil has been allowed to flourish. The spiritual war rages all around us; the evil is real and these files have given the world a glimpse behind the curtain. While it appears dark and seemingly hopeless, do not despair. I do not despair. For evil can come; it can war and ravage the body and mind, but it cannot kill the soul protected by He who is greater, the Vanquisher of evil, once and for all. There is only one Refuge for man when this type of darkness descends upon the world: Jesus.
The philosophers have wrestled with the “problem of evil” for centuries. But it is no problem at all. Evil exists, and the only answer for it lies in the person of Jesus. Christianity holds the answer for a world engulfed in evil. The Epstein files have shown the world clearly there is a problem with the heart of man, and the cross of Jesus Christ, the only answer.
Over the last couple weeks, two people have been killed by U.S. ICE agents in Minnesota as they obstructed law enforcement from carrying out their duties. Video has now emerged of Alex Pretti just a few days prior to his death spitting on officers and attacking and damaging their vehicle, both of which are felonies. As the media continues to advocate for his sainthood, it is clear he is anything but. Both deaths were unfortunate and unnecessary. Yet, right on cue, American leftists suffering terminal TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) have taken to social media to signal their personal virtue as a “good person” by denouncing ICE and a policy that the majority of Americans voted for, approved of, and still endorse: the removal of criminal illegal aliens.
Trump is not perfect, and I have sharp criticisms about certain policy decisions. But securing the border and removing criminal illegal aliens is not one of them. This should be priority number one for any leader. The empty-headedness of media headlines and superfluous criticisms on this issue lack substance and usually target shallow personality quirks. He is trying to make America safe for the citizenry, and to the economically literate, the thrust of his policies clearly has this goal.
Where were these critics when hundreds of thousands of women and children were being raped and trafficked into the US? Where are they now demanding to know the whereabouts of the 300,000 missing children? Did they hold vigils for Laken Riley, brutally raped and murdered by one of these criminals, as so many others have been? Something sinister occurred, and it is clear that those now feigning incredulity over ICE actions do not honestly care about the real victims of the heinous immigration policies of previous administrations.
What would you think of a father who ensured all the neighborhood kids were protected and fed, yet neglected his own children? We would call him a terrible father. It is the same with our leaders, who are responsible for protecting their citizens and creating conditions that allow them to flourish. The father who shoots the intruder in his home does so, not out of hatred towards the intruder, but out of love and caring for his children whom he is responsible for protecting. That is what Trump is attempting to do, against the shrill hysterics of the childless feminist radicals and effete men cosplaying as revolutionaries, who line the streets and treat confrontations with law enforcement like a video game. These are not peaceful protesters, but radical paid-for “useful idiots” of the Marxists funding the turmoil. Their behavior is a predictable outgrowth of a psychologically disordered worldview. No one deserves to die in these circumstances, and peaceful protest is the right of all. This is not an intellectually robust movement movement we are dealing with, and there is not a modicum of peace or compassion within them. Importantly, this behaviour does not exist in isolation; it flows directly from a broader moral and cultural worldview that now defines the left.
It cannot be overlooked that these are the same people who advocate for abortion on demand throughout an entire pregnancy, promote the sterilization of teens through targeted body-dysmorphia programming, celebrate degeneracy, and mock the traditional family. Any perceived unfairness is reflexively attributed to Nazis, white supremacists, anti-Semites, or other invented enemies. They live in a world of make-believe, fueled by imaginary grievances and feeble minds. When this kind of moral confusion becomes political doctrine, it inevitably produces authoritarian control.
Totalitarian regimes always emerge from these leftist ideologies. Communism, socialism, fascism, and Nazism all share one trait: they prioritize the group or collective over the individual. Once the individual is commanded to submit to the State, totalitarianism can enforce obedience. This ideology creates “groups of the oppressed,” and those who resist immediately become “oppressors.” This is exactly how Mao’s Cultural Revolution operated. Totalitarianism cannot take root where individual rights are protected; it needs group power to crush individuals into conforming with pre-approved “right-think.” Immigration enforcement has become one of the main battlegrounds where this collective power of the malcontents is now exercised.
The historically illiterate look at ICE as the second coming of the Third Reich, rather than as a necessary corrective to the open-border policies of the last administration that nearly ensured America’s internal collapse. This is exactly what the planners of chaos want, because mass immigration has historically been dyscivilizational and destructive. As a result, we are watching America unravel as godless revolutionaries take to the streets in violence.
Multi-culturalism has repeatedly led to societal conflict wherever it flourishes. The inevitable replacement of the native population leads to ruin because people who never built the society cannot maintain it. Homogeneous societies survive because shared beliefs, culture, and ideals create lasting bonds. This is not about race; it is about cultural continuity. Multi-culturalism, one of the satanic ideals of the Enlightenment, has contributed to the collapse of the West. Judicious immigration of individuals and families who benefit the nation without altering or adulterating its social fabric is acceptable. But mass immigration and cultural disintegration like we have seen over the past few decades has been intrinsically destructive. Nationalism is not evil, but mass immigration designed to degrade a nation is. When a society is stripped of cultural cohesion and moral clarity, the psychological consequences are unavoidable.
We are living at a time when a significant portion of the population cannot understand or cope with reality. As Thomas Sowell wrote, “Activism is a way for useless people to feel important, even if the consequences of their activism are counterproductive for those they claim to be helping and damaging to the fabric of society as a whole.” This is what we see at scale: people pretending to do something worthwhile. Remember, these are the same people who celebrated when Charlie Kirk was murdered by one of their own comrades and lamented only when an assassin’s bullet missed taking the President’s life by inches. That kind of instability does not remain passive; it inevitably expresses itself politically and, increasingly, through violence.
This is not an organic movement. Right on cue, Trump wins the presidency, and the left’s only response is violence. What we see in Minnesota is the result of decades of moral decay, manifesting in violence driven by emotional incontinence. Disorder and malevolence are natural outworkings of a mind consumed by hatred, seeing others as deserving of violence. The more the light shines on their darkness, the more vehement their rebellion. They seek power, not justice, not peace, not prosperity, not compassion. This discontent is deliberately cultivated to undermine and ultimately destroy America’s Christian heritage. At its core, this movement rejects the good, the beautiful, and the true, and ultimately turns its contempt toward humanity itself. They celebrate violence against what is good and direct it against enemies, fueled by self-loathing and distorted impulses. The war has already begun, and it is both ideological and spiritual.
If civil unrest and riots are inevitable whenever a party loses an election, it proves they do not truly believe in democracy. Marxists cannot tolerate others having a say when they voted for—and still approve of—the removal of illegal aliens. We are witnessing the early stages of a civil war. It began during the BLM riots and the burning of buildings following the public beatification of the criminal, George Floyd. They do not care about truth, order, or goodness. Revolution and the destruction of freedom and liberty do not concern themselves with the necessary spilling of blood to achieve their ends. Let the banshees keep screaming, let the revolutionaries keep cosplaying, and let the activists pretend they are making a difference as they attempt to burn it all down.
A forceful and unapologetic enforcement of the law is necessary against these purveyors of violence if we are to live together. When Alex Pretti attacked law enforcement, he should have been arrested, charged, and jailed for the felonies he committed. Once the line of “peaceful protest” is crossed, the full weight of the law must fall on the agitator. That firm and just accountability would have ultimately saved his life.
In my view, only a peaceful divorce can now save the West. We cannot live with people who choose violence as easily as a spoiled child chooses to throw a tantrum to get their way. The chasm between us now is far too great to reconcile.
Most people are familiar with George Orwell’s government inversion from 1984 as they tried to propagandize the people into believing things that were the opposite of that they saw:
We are living in a time of great inversion; where lies masquerade as truth, and falsehoods are upheld as noble and right.
If Orwell were alive to see his “prophecy” materialize, this is how his maxim might read today:
War is peace. Islam is peaceful. Christianity is harmful. Men are women. Women are men. Fat is healthy. Vaccines are safe. Babies are fetuses. Abortion is healthcare. MAID is healtlhcare. Climate is crisis. Marriage is oppressive. Family is disposable. Immigration is good. Diversity is strength.
We are living in a time when the elites who run governments quite obviously hate the people they are suppose to work for. They denigrate the lives of people trying to live peaceful, fulfilling lives. They despise the ordinary men and women by throwing hardship after hardship in their path. Their disdain for the good, the beautiful, and the true things of this world is obvious with every harmful decision they make. All they have are lies packaged as beneficial for the masses in order to control them. The clowns running the circus can’t keep their masks from slipping off. Revolution and retribution will be their reward.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”
Years ago in the office I had a saying I was known for, “The West is finished.” Everyone thought I was being purposely hyperbolic when i said it, but I saw that it was true, and I meant it. Whenever any news story came up that showed the decline and decay of a Western nation, I would emphatically proclaim “The West is finished.” I even said I was going to have t-shirts made up with my favourite slogan.
Fast forward 10-15 years later to where we are currently and it is easy to see that I was right: the West WAS finished then; and the West IS finished now. The collapse that started decades ago has picked up speed and there is no no saving it now. She cannot be saved. Western nations are headed for final collapse, or war, or both.
With any remedial understanding of history it was easy to see this coming. There were always 3 things that made this the inevitable result: 1) financial malfeasance 2) immigration, and 3) the denigration of Christianity
Financial Malfeasance
Central Banks and the Fractional Reserve Banking System will always lead to a financial collapse after decades of self-inflicted boom/bust cycles that come from the ever-increasing levels of debt that are needed to sustain the system. The system in place is designed to funnel the wealth of a nation to those at the top and impoverishing most over time through planned inflation cycles and the overcharging for services by those who’ve accumulated all the wealth and assets at the top. This is the repeatable pattern of history and why no great empire survived more than 300 years.
Immigration
There is nothing that will destroy the fabric of a nation faster than immigration. Our politicians smile while repeating their faux slogan that “Diversity is strength,” while every study shows the exact opposite. Immigration erodes society and creates a low trust environment where people become less willing to help their neighbour. While all people are of equal value, not all cultures are equal, and some are antithetical to the ungirding principles of the West. We import people who did not build Western civilization, and are not capable of maintaining it. Immigration is leading to the erosion and eventual collapse of our society.
Christianity
Christianity led to the rise of Western civilization, and Western civilization is the embodiment of Christian principles. (That is not to say everyone within these nations is a Christian, but rather, Christian principles are the foundation on which the West flourished). It formed the bedrock of trust between communities that allowed the nation to thrive. As the anti-intellectualism of atheism was given space in the public square, and a number of anti-human religions were allowed equal standing, the moral and cultural fabric of the West began to unwind, and there is now nothing left to bind society together and allow it to function for the benefit of many.
Nations rise, and burn, and fall. We are in the final ‘slow burn of embers’ phase of the cycle after the main fires were lit decades ago. The financial system is no longer functioning and needs greater and greater debt creation to function at all. We have let the “barbarians” inside the gates, and like Rome, we’ve tolerated and been weakened by those who have no interest in strengthening the nation they’ve invaded. Christianity has been cast from the public square and all manner of evil and wicked practises have been heralded as its replacement, as the rainbow flag has become the symbol of a fallen nation.
The end is near for the beautiful lives many of us have enjoyed. The West is not what it once was. Evil has flourished. Collapse is on the horizon. War is coming. The West is finished.
I came across this article a few months ago written by Tedros Geybreyesus of the World Health Organization, on the future hope of the elimination of cancer because of vaccines, specifically cervical cancer. He pointed to the success of the HPV vaccines in Rwanda, Now, knowing of the WHO’s failure during Covid-19 and their complicity in many of the failed Covid policies (lockdowns, masks, social distancing, vaccines, etc) that we all lived through, I thought I’d look to see if this was true. And of course, like most health advice coming from the “professionals” these days, it was a lie.
Now first, it is important to note that 90% of all HPV cases self-resolve or clear up on their own over 1-2 years. Only 10% of cases are left with lasting impacts, and nowhere near all of those lead to cervical cancer, so the risk for cancer is quite low, even if you have contracted HPV. Tedros said that the HPV vaccine was introduced in Rwanda in 2011 and they have achieved 90% coverage, so one would think cervical cancer cases would have plummeted since any vaccine pushed by the WHO is “highly effective,” as we are continually told. Because vaccines are preventative, and with almost all females inoculated against HPV, you would think cervical cancer over the ensuing 13 years would have disappeared. You would be wrong, however. Here is a graph of cervical cancer cases in Rwanda since 1990. I have also included Canada’s rates of occurrence since they started vaccinating young girls in 2006.
Let’s remember that vaccines are given to people to stop them from contracting the disease, so it would necessarily follow that as vaccination increases, the occurrence of the disease decreases. That is how vaccines have always been sold to us. Up until the gaslighting of the Covid era, everyone knew vaccines prevented the contraction of the disease.
What do we notice when looking at the Rwanda graph? From a peak in 1995, we begin to see a steady decline in cervical cancer cases until about 2010 when it essentially flatlined until today. As Tedros noted, mass vaccination began in 2011 and the rates of occurrence have stayed essentially the same. Cervical cancer cases were already in decline well before vaccination began. So what benefit has the vaccination campaign been to those who received it? Should we not have seen a further plummeting in the remaining rate of cases since these vaccines are “effective”? They vaccinated millions of women and girls to realize a reduction of 1 case of cervical cancer for every 200,000 women.
Similarly in Canada, we have actually seen a small uptick in cases since the vaccine campaign began in 2006. We went from 6.2 cases per 100,000 to 6.7 cases. Should not all these vaccines reaped phenomenal benefits if they actually worked as promised? Should cases have also plummeted here as would be expected from an effective vaccine?
Who benefitted from these millions of vaccines given for HPV around the world? From the data, we can say with certainty it hasn’t been women and girls. If there is no appreciable upside to a vaccine, why then would we offer it?
If Covid taught us anything, it’s that public health really isn’t about improving the health of the population, but rather, seeing them as commodities to profit from. The Gardasil vaccine made hundreds of millions of dollars for Merck Pharmaceuticals and helped no one from what the data tells us. This is just another instance of the medical experimentation for profit that we’ve witnessed over the last several decades.
We need to question every medical intervention that is foisted upon us by those who stand to profit from them. Every medicine, every vaccine, should be questioned, and I now think, in most cases, should be rejected as useless. Our health must necessarily be our own responsibility now for we can no longer trust the medical authorities, and many of the doctors, to actually care about our well-being. There is a reason why most doctors refer to their profession as “modern medicine,” for they believe writing a prescription is always the answer; a drug or a jab the best solution.
I would go to a doctor for surgery and diagnosis, but I would question their suggested remedy every time and do my own research and ask around. For if one thing has become clearer and clearer over time, It’s that we rely on the Medical Industrial Complex at our own peril, and it is the data itself responsible for anti-vax sentiments growing.
Before my “vanlife” road trip through Utah several months ago, I had written out some goals and things I wanted to accomplish while living “off grid,” so to speak. One of my goals stated, “See every sunrise. Watch every sunset.” When I first wrote it down, in the back of my mind I did so for reasons of photography and capturing that first and last light of day, as well as trying to make the most of the time I had. But over the course of that week the phrases kept running through my head as I thought on them and they came to have a more profound meaning than I originally intended.
I knew I would be awake early each day. My plan was to be in a spot to watch the sunrise and photograph it. Some days I was already hiking but I was in a position to see those first rays light the sky. I thought the same with the evenings as it started getting dark; I was always in a position to see that last light fade into the night. As I repeated this phrase over in my thoughts, they took on new meanings for me.
See Every Sunrise
We know that early morning light has a profound physiological effect on the body. We know that an early morning comports with greater productivity and more life success; both of which come from the required discipline of an early start.
But there’s more to it. When we take a minute to watch the sunrise, we give ourselves the ability to stop and feel gratitude for another day that lies before us. It is cliché to say our most precious commodity is time, and that tomorrow is never promised. But those who are thankful for life and take those moments to appreciate all that we’ve been given, will necessarily live a life of greater meaning and purpose.
Those mornings where the world and house are quiet, really is the best part of the day. One can think and contemplate and prepare for the day ahead and enjoy the serenity and peace during those early moments.
Watch Every Sunset
In the same way, taking a moment to stop and watch as another day ends, and see the beauty of that final golden glow as it falls below the horizon, puts into perspective the beauty of this world and life. It should cause us to pause and be thankful, and fill us with gratitude for the gift we’ve been given.
We should reflect on the victories or failings of the day, learning from both; strengthening our resolve to live with purpose and discipline, and treat time as precious.
When we look around, we see people caught up in the busyness of life. Some will spend their nights in bars drinking their life away, missing the sunset, and too hungover to wake for the sunrise; their life blurred and empty. Others will pursue the banal and mundane, filling their “empty time” with forgettable movies or entertainment, or wasting away the moments in the worthless pursuit of video game achievements. These are the lives of meaninglessness and despair, and there is no end to the ways in which we can fritter away the days.
I have fallen for some of these in times past; watching stupid shows or scrolling on my phone, producing nothing of worth. I will not allow myself to waste the time l’ve been given, nor pursue the vapid or inane things most people value. I refuse to live as most people live; lives filled with mindless idleness and aimless folly.
I will never view a sunrise or sunset the same way again. They are markers of life that many miss. They mark our fleeting days, one after another, and if you notice them, they encourage us to stop but for a moment, to be grateful for life. No man knows the number of his days, but he should live to make the best of each one. No one will ever looking back and lament that they should have spent more time in bars drinking, or scrolling on their phone, or watching television. Every deathbed is full of regrets, and we should live now so as to minimize them when the time comes.
The alarm went off at 4:00am. I ran a tight ship on this road trip and we needed to be in the car by 4:10am to get a decent spot for our tripods at Mesa Arch at least an hour before sunrise, which was slated for 5:56am this morning. There were a few groans from both of us but we grabbed our gear and were off.
We pulled out of our hotel at 4:11am. We were about the 7th and 8th person to arrive at Mesa Arch after a 45 minute drive from Moab into Canyonlands National Park. We set up our tripods, played with our camera settings, talked to some of the other crazies who came for this one epic shot, and waited.
When you stop, and wait, and watch for the sun to rise; the inspiring signal of a new day, you get a sense of renewal and wonder and hope. Every single day is a gift. Every single day should fill us with joy and gratitude for the privilege we have to observe the created order all around us. In a world that chases after the mundane, stupefies itself with social media, and dulls itself with drink or drug, few are those who truly get to see the world as it was meant to be seen: as the canvas of the Master Painter, not the product of random chance and blind atoms.
As the sun rises above the horizon and lights up the underside of Mesa Arch, cameras clicked, and voices grew louder at the wonder before us. Every single person present ooh’d and ahh’d as light filled the sky.
Despite the morning rush and half opened eyes, the best part of this brief moment was that I got to share it with my dad, doing something we both loved. It will be a sunrise moment I will always remember, not just for the glorious light that broke through the darkness that morning, but for who I got to share it with.
I have now been maintaining this blog for about 8 years, with a minimum of one post a month. I write for myself because I enjoy it, nothing more. I have a tiny readership as the blog stats bear out. For me, this is an avenue to think and articulate issues that I am concerned about.
I have been criticized at times for being too ascerbic, too opinionated, too unwavering, in my views. I make no apologies for any of those. I write unfiltered to convey as close to what I think as possible. In a weak, feminized world, I see why this would bother some people. Others consistently agree. You can’t please everybody I suppose, and ultimately I write only to please myself and reflect the transcendental nature of truth.
The other day I asked ChatGPT a question. “Can you summarize the worldview of the author of dbro.ca?” I asked this question twice and got substantially the same answer but appreciated the different nuances of both. Within 15 seconds I had the following responses:
1) The author of this site expresses a worldview characterized by a commitment to traditional values, personal responsibility, and a critical stance toward modern societal trends. Key aspects of this perspective include:
Sobriety and Personal Discipline: The author advocates for complete abstinence from alcohol, viewing it as detrimental to mental and physical health, and believes that society should discourage drinking through social pressure.
Critique of Modern Society: There’s a concern about societal decline, with observations about increased violence, loss of community, and cultural shifts that the author perceives as negative. This includes apprehension about immigration policies and the erosion of traditional cultural norms.
Emphasis on Objective Truth and Traditional Morality: The author stresses the importance of objective truth and traditional moral values, criticizing what is seen as the glorification of perversion and the rejection of the good, the beautiful, and the true in contemporary culture.
Skepticism Toward Progressive Movements: There’s a critical view of progressive ideologies, particularly those related to gender and sexuality, with the belief that such movements are harmful and indicative of societal decay.
Value of Nature and Simplicity: The author finds true beauty and rejuvenation in nature, suggesting that urban environments are soul-crushing and advocating for a return to simpler, more natural living.
Overall, the author’s worldview is rooted in a desire to return to what is perceived as more authentic and time-tested ways of living, emphasizing personal accountability, traditional values, and a cautious approach to modern societal changes.
2) The author of this site presents a worldview deeply rooted in traditional Christian values, expressing strong critiques of modern Western society. His writings reflect a belief that contemporary culture has deviated from foundational truths, leading to moral and societal decline.
Core Beliefs and Themes:
Christian Foundations: He emphasizes Christianity as the bedrock of Western civilization, attributing concepts like human rights and equality to its influence. He warns that abandoning these principles results in societal decay.
Moral Absolutism:The author upholds objective truth and moral clarity, criticizing relativism and the acceptance of behaviors he deems immoral, such as abortion and the celebration of certain lifestyles.
Critique of Modern Movements:He is critical of progressive ideologies, viewing them as destructive forces that undermine societal structures and values.He expresses concern over issues like the sexualization of children and the erosion of traditional family roles.
Personal Responsibility: The writings stress the importance of individual choices, discipline, and accountability, suggesting that many societal issues stem from personal failings and a lack of self-control.
Cultural Observations: He laments the loss of beauty, truth, and goodness in art and architecture, and criticizes the prevalence of what he sees as superficiality and narcissism in modern culture.
Political Commentary: The author expresses dissatisfaction with current political leadership, particularly in Canada, and praises figures like Donald Trump for actions he believes restore order and sanity.
Overall, the author’s perspective is one of concern for the direction of modern society, advocating for a return to traditional values and a reaffirmation of Christian principles as a remedy for contemporary issues.
I could not have written a more accurate summary of my writing.
I haven’t written much lately, and haven’t felt like it either. I’ve had countless thoughts but little desire to record them. While I am not downtrodden or morose and generally feel good about where I’m at in most aspects of my life, I do look at the world and can’t help but think we are in the middle of the collapse I’ve thought for some time would happen. Great civilizations never fall over night; their downfall happens slowly after long periods of deviancy, decadence, and decay.
There is so much going on that points to a world in decline and I do not think it is reversible. All that is really left is understanding and anticipating how things will unravel and determine what I can do to keep those I love from being consumed with fear.
Canada is no longer a viable nation. We are a nation of fools ‘laughing at Noah as it started to rain.’ In almost every corner of this nation there are problems that cannot and will not be solved by the chorus of ineffective and evil politicians that have assisted in the controlled demolition of this once great country.
The majority of people have swallowed whole the propaganda we are fed on a daily basis by the leaders who hate us. It’s hard to blame them, for the human mind craves the bliss of comfortable lies over the hard, unpalatable truths of the times in which we live. It is an evil world that devours the souls of men without a care.
But I do not despair for my eyes are fixed heavenward to the only Hope I have in this life. This world is not my home and I am merely passing through; with societal ruins on all sides of this narrow road. I desire something better that is not of this world and I pray that my friends and family will join me through these harrowing times ahead. We have a hope and peace that dispels fear and brings joy. Let the world despair.
Well, it’s been just under 6 weeks since Donald J. Trump became the 47th President of the United States, and there hasn’t been a start to a presidency like this, ever. He has moved at such a speed that the corrupt media has no idea what to do or say in response; and thankfully no one listens to them anymore anyways. So far he has exceeded almost every expectation of those who support him. The early accomplishments are too numerous to recount in full, so here are the highlights thus far for me.
1)The creation of the DOGE under Elon Musk has already uncovered trillions of dollars of fraud and govt financial mismanagement. Shutting down USAID and cutting off the corrupt funding arm of the Democrats, the Deep State, and the leftists responsible for subverting Western nations was the right line of attack from the beginning. Without the illegal flow of taxpayer money, much of the malfeasance evaporates.
2)Putting an end to govt DEI and ESG regulations is a win for sanity in a nation that was losing it’s mind and has already lost its soul. Keeping men out of women’s sports and bathrooms is common sense that some of the retarded actually wanted to see continue. Trump did this to protect women and it was great to see.
3)He has brokered a stop to the fighting between Israel and Hamas, and is on the verge of stopping the war in Ukraine; both conflicts that began under the weak Biden regime. The world senses weakness, and it recognizes strength. Trump projects strength, and from that strength flows peace.
4)He secured the border overnight and stopped the flow of illegals into the US which has done untold damage to the country. They are now rounding up and deporting the criminal element who came in, and hopefully the rest of the illegals will be next. They can apply to come back like everyone had to before them. A nation is not a nation without a secure border. Biden tried to open the borders to destroy the U.S. from within; Trump stopped it to protect America and her citizens.
5) And lastly, his Executive Order to ban paper straws was glorious! Now, I don’t care what kind of straw anyone wants to use, but this was Trump’s way of mocking the fake environmentalists who lost their minds when ONE turtle was found injured with a plastic straw stuck in its nose. Millions of dollars were wasted on an issue promoted by those who can barely keep their neighbourhood parks and streets clean. It was nice to see Trump figuratively tell them that no one is falling for your nonsense any more.
Bonus: Calling out the idiot Trudeau for what he is and what he has done to Canada is much appreciated by those of us Canadians who have been harmed by the most corrupt and evil regime to ever run this country. Prison is too kind for these people who have purposely wrecked this once great nation.
Trump’s presidency is surely going to have some bumps in the road. I fear his quick slashing of jobs may hurt people who did legitimate work and have them turn on him in the midterms. He must tread lightly. The market is poised for a correction and the US economy needs a recession to digest all the debt created over the last decade. It will be a deep one and is necessary. Trump cannot exacerbate it by reckless spending. He must not forget than to save the country, its citizens need hope and prosperity for a better future.
By electing Trump, Americans have halted the speed of the decline and collapse. Only time will tell if Trump can actually reverse America’s course and once again aim to become that bright “shining city on a hill.”
(Above is a little video I did recounting the places I saw over this past year).
Advice For The Coming Year:
Go live an intentional, motivated life, and put your energies into things that matter and have meaning. We live in a society that medicates itself and praises and pursues the banal, the stupid, and the mundane. That life is for those who are bored and boring. I’ve seen countless references online to 2024 being a “rough” year, a “tough” year, or a “horrible” year. I can only think most of these people merely experienced the consequences of their poor life choices.
Get away from people and concrete every chance you get. Cities are soul-crushing; nature will rejuvenate it. The natural world makes us grateful; it fills us with gratitude and gives us a sense of grandeur beyond ourselves. Fill your time with the good things and the beautiful places of this world that will furnish you with enduring memories, leaving behind childish activities.
Many will waste their lives on worthless pursuits, and nights they will never remember. No bottle will make your life better; it will ALWAYS make it worse. No drug will relax you; it will only increase your anxiety over time. It’s only your addiction, or directionless friends, telling you otherwise. People use substances as a means to produce temporary happiness when they have no ability to produce it in themselves naturally. It is the path to a life of discontent. Do not be like the aimless and unmotivated losers who fill up the bars on weekends. Seek after those things which will bring purpose and meaning to your life.
Those who love life and the gift that it is, desire for better and pursue things that will give them long-lasting memories. As the world crumbles, and people medicate themselves out of weakness and despair, go “live a life of full of wonder” and seek the good, the beautiful, and the true things in this world. What you pursue and value most will determine how your life will go. Choose wisely.
Take up and read; this was the admonishment of St. Augustine to those who wanted to understand Christianity and faith. On January 1st, 2024, I started a one year reading plan of the Bible, something I have never previously done, and finished today, early, on November 28th, 2024; 324 days total. I wanted to do this because a) I had never read it in this way before, b) It would be a challenge for me to stay disciplined, c) I wanted to view the narrative thread woven from Genesis to Revelation in one long, unfolding redemptive story, and d) I wanted my understanding of the truths contained therein to be strengthened.
Here are my reflections on the exercise overall, in no particular order.
1) I think everyone should do this once. It is profitable to read it cover to cover. But it is a surface level exercise and the Bible must be studied to be properly understood. While it is profitable on one level, a lot can be missed when certain things are read this way.
2) I think I read on about 80-85% of the days in total. Some days were missed, while other days I read multiple days readings into one. For the most part I remained consistent even though near the end I struggled a bit to stay consistent. It is easy to get bogged down into books that may not be favourites. I had to force myself at times to stay on the program.
3) Some days I could barely remember what I had read and struggled through some of the denser OT passages, while other days I could have kept on going for the words were alive and jumping off the page. For example, I read almost all of The Revelation in one sitting and found it far more moving that way (and discovered a new favourite passage in the meantime). Other times were a struggle but it was important to push through and keep going in the hopes that even something small would be impactful.
4) One can only conclude that this Book is of divine origin. No man, or men, could have written this, or would have written this, without the words and concepts being given to them. From the story of grace and redemption in Jesus, to fulfilled prophecies centuries apart, the heavenly hand behind the Bible is seen on every single page. It is its own testimony to its divine origin. One need only read it to understand.
5) Those who criticize or castigate the Bible as some ancient, dusty book of the ramblings of crazy men, have clearly never taken the time to really read it. They reject it a priori before they even read it. They criticize it because they do not like what it contains; they disparage it because it shines a light on the darkness of this world and the hearts of men (my heart!), and calls them to live in a way that glorifies Someone greater than themselves. To the natural man, its message is abhorrent. They reject it not because they believe it to be false, but rather, because on some level they know it is true.
6) I would not recommend this method to the first time reader. It is a good idea to the one who has familiarized themselves with the history and theological concepts contained therein. Someone new to the Bible should read, study, meditate, and pray over smaller sections of text.
7) I am glad I did it. It was worth the time and the investment. This is the means by which God speaks to us today and the only way we can understand what He wants for us. To the inquirer, my only advice is this: Take up and read.
Revelation 19:11-16
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
For years now l’ve wanted to rent an RV or van and hit the open road. A few weeks ago I finally rented a van and spent & days and 7 nights driving, hiking, photographing, and sleeping all over my favourite place on the planet, Utah. To put it simply: it was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had and it is now my plan to make it an annual occurrence.
Before I left I set 5 goals for myself:
1) Do at least one hike in each of the “Mighty 5” National Parks in Utah. 2) Do not let any hardship make me decide to check into a hotel. 3) See every sunrise. 4) Watch every sunset. 5) Don’t die.
I had no idea what to expect and these goals seemed simple enough. I can say as I write this that I accomplished all 5 goals and that the experience was one I will cherish for the rest of my life.
So why did l love it so much? Here are some thoughts, in no particular order, on why this trip was “transformational” for me, especially at this stage of my life.
1) I chose Utah for this trip, which is a really special place for me, since I first visited and hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park in 2010. l’ve been there about 9-10 times since that first experience. It is hard to describe why it impacts me in this way, but the rugged barrenness of the landscape, each section of the state being completely different from the other, must be experienced to be appreciated. There is almost a magical quality to it for me. The scenery was incredible and every place I stopped or visited was picturesque. I am still in awe of the things I saw, some for the first time, and favourites I got to experience again.
2) I love driving and a road trip anywhere is fun for me. The thought of taking my bed along and parking and sleeping and awaking for the next adventure with no complications of moving things in and out of a hotel was really appealing. I loved having everything I needed within the small confines of the campervan I rented.
3) The sense of freedom was almost drug-like and addicting. It was my schedule and mine alone. I went to bed when I wanted, arose when I wanted, ate when I wanted, drove when I wanted, hiked when I wanted; the schedule was completely mine. Any failures were mine, any successes were mine. I only had to be where I wanted to go. Very few us get this type of freedom in the modern world. Jobs and families and friends all occupy our time and put demands on us. It’s not often you can drive away from all of these and pursue things completely independent from everyone, even if only for a week.
4) From the germination of the idea to the time I left, I “themed” this trip in such a way as to make it a fun experience, even a little childish. One of my all-time favourite albums is called Strange Trails by Lord Huron; with songs that speak to the solo traveler and the rugged individualist in a dark and odd world. I even called it the “Strange Trails Road Trip 2024” and did what I could to stay on theme. Utah probably has more “strange trails” than any other place I can think of so I went out of my way to find as many strange places as I could. It seemed like a very fitting theme.
Follow me way out there; There’s no road that will lead us back. When you follow the strange trails, They will take you who knows where. – Way Out There, Lord Huron
From the bands bio: “Lord Huron is a musical project created Ben Schneider. Born and raised in Michigan, Schneider drew inspiration from the Great Lakes…and his music stands in awe and wonder of the natural world.”
It seemed a fitting theme, as I too, stand in awe and wonder of the natural world. Their music was my sober and somber companion for most of the trip.
5) It was generally dark by 6pm every night and there wasn’t a lot to do once pulled over and in for the night. I had planned on journalling and did two different types. One was a straightforward itinerary of the events of the day in a Field Notes styled booklet I have kept on other adventure vacations. The second was a little more childish in nature in that it was a journal of thoughts on the adventure, along with the use of “travel” stickers (and others) I had collected over the years, and on this trip. Most thoughts were related to the trip, while some were unrelated and more philosophical. It was an enjoyable type of scrapbook record of my time at night in a dark van in the middle of nowhere.
6) It was nice seeing people living the simple life in RV’s and vans at RV Parks, moving from spot to spot, just to enjoy the natural surroundings and not caught up in expensive hotels or vacations. I saw people interacting how people should; spending quality time together, not drunk in bars or clubs, putting off the usual trappings of the modern world. During one meal at a small town pub l watched people interact, all seemingly friends from the town, in their special place to be social. It was heart-warming to know this type of community feel still exists in the world.
7) I loved being alone; to drive, to think, to listen to music, to hike, to photograph. I love my family, my friends, and my dog, but being a natural introvert I love my alone time, and alone time with a plan, in a place I enjoy, was like heaven on earth (If only it had been a touch warmer! The days were perfect, the nights froze my nose a little). There is something about solitude and unplugging from the chaotic world that is good for the soul and one’s mental well-being. I didn’t listen to any news or stay current with any world affairs. It was a real disconnection from my ordinary life, and it was good.
And I feel I should know this place As the road winds on into wide-open space. The wind plays a haunting tone As I make my way through the night all alone.
I been dreaming again of a lonesome world Where I’m lost and I’ve got no friends. Just the rocks and the trees in my lonesome dreams And a road that don’t never end. – Lonesome Dreams, Lord Huron
Ben Schneider of Lord Huron, speaking about Lonesome Dreams: “‘Lonesome Dreams’ is about a recurring dream I had where I was in a world that was completely empty except for myself… It was a strange almost beautiful dream because I was always in a place that was really amazing. It was an incredibly beautiful outdoor space, but I was always completely alone and I couldn’t find anybody. In that dream I knew that there was no one else in the world. It was a weird feeling, sad but at the same time liberating.”
I loved that ‘weird and liberating’ feeling of doing this alone. I know I am not alone and have a wonderful family around me. At times I need things like this; to be alone, yet never lonely. I will do this again, and most likely pick a different place and a different path to travel. There are more ‘strange trails out there to follow that will take me who knows where.’
Out there’s a land that time don’t command, Wanna be the first to arrive. No time for ponderin’ why I’m-a wanderin’, Not while we’re both still alive.
To the ends of the earth, would you follow me? There’s a world that was meant for our eyes to see. To the ends of the earth, would you follow me? Well if you won’t, I must say my goodbyes to thee.
What good is livin’ a life you’ve been given, If all you do is stand in one place. – Ends of the Earth, Lord Huron
I do not understand the Christian infatuation over Israel and what appears to be the aiding and defending of them, without question, as they continue their war of retaliation against Islamic terror groups for the attacks of October 7th, 2023. It is not a biblical position as far as I can tell, and the differences between Christian’s and Jews could hardly be more clear. Israel can defend themselves as they see fit. I object to our aid and the notion that we are on the side of God in this battle by supporting Israel.
Judaism, the religion of Rabbis, studies the Torah (the Books of the Law), not so much so they can obey it, but rather, to determine how to better get around the commandments clearly laid down by God. It is a religion that relies on the legal interpretation of the law. Much like US Constitutional “scholars,” they are not so concerned with adhering to the law, but finding “loopholes” so they are not bound by its clear dictates. The Talmud is merely Jewish case law that permits the breaking of the law, and the rabbis are skilled in their ability to justify almost any activity despite the explicit language of the Old Testament. It becomes almost comical when rabbis must discern and “rule” on whether or not pushing an elevator button or turning on a tea kettle on the Sabbath constitutes “work,” and hence, a breaking of the 4th Commandment, for example. In this regard, the law is certainly a hard taskmaster and the Rabbis who adjudicate such nonsensical views merely legalists. There is nothing remotely Christian, on any level, in obedience to the Law.
Isaiah 5:20 gives a very specific warning, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. That encapsulates the rabbinic tradition. Thousands of rabbis deciding what is right and what is wrong, and redefining both over time as they desire, not as God instructed. Judaism and Christianity are opposites in many ways, despite their shared histories. Not all Israel, is of Israel; the physical and spiritual are not the same. The connection Western Christians have to the defence of Israel is both baffling, and bad theology.
As the war continues to rage in Israel and Gaza, between the people of Isaac and Ishmael, we should pray for peace, but not shed an ounce of blood or contribute to the bloodshed of many. This is a millennial hatred that few understand, and we are told, will never end. Israel has killed far more Palestinians in retaliation and they are not without guilt. My country, and my tax dollars, should not aid in the continued slaughter of bystanders, and my Christian faith is not tied to the outcome.
War is the greatest of earthly evils and those who want it and relish it should be judged harshly. Western antagonism of these foreign wars should be opposed by good people everywhere. I cannot stand with either side in this battle; it is not my fight.
If I were to subtitle this article it would be: If You Still Drink Regularly With All We Now Know, You’re An Idiot Or An Addict.
My opinions on alcohol don’t win me many friends as almost to a drinker, they get angry and defensive when the topic arises, as if they are defending the honour of a cherished lover from insult. My disdain for the stupidity of those who defend it as “fun and harmless” has grown immensely over the past couple of years as I watch people destroy and enslave themselves to a substance. The facts, data, and science behind the consequences and effects of their drug use is now clearer than ever. And yes, alcohol is a highly addictive drug, and drinkers are drug users, albeit, “socially acceptable” drug users, or so they think. To drink regularly in the face of what we now know can only be classified as total ignorance or addiction, that deep down many realize, but have difficulty admitting to.
I’ve written extensively on alcohol before, here; and many other posts here reference my contempt and scorn for alcohol and the people who knowingly use it and abuse it, in 100% of the cases, to their own detriment. I can say in all humility that I have been way ahead of the curve on this topic for decades and have read more research than 99.9% of the population. The average person succumbs because they are brainwashed by “big money alcohol company” advertising and their own weakness giving in to peer pressure. As the science continues to develop, much of what I’ve written has been shown to be correct as it filters down to the mainstream, drinking population. But the insidious nature of this drug is such that no science, no data, or no rational argument will ever convince a person who is emotionally and physically attached to their booze.
Have you ever talked to a friend about their drinking habits, only to watch them get defensive? And that ends up being their reaction every single time? It’s an implicit admission that deep down they know they have a problem. I once had a friend with a drinking problem; a drinking problem that they could not see. It was not alcoholism, but like almost every regular drinker, it was an alcohol use disorder and it was obvious. They couldn’t go out and have just one or two; they always over drank.
Many started drinking in their teen years and the chemical alterations that this caused in their brains have caused them problems to this day. Their brain is now programmed by the drug to crave more. They get excited about the drinking they’ll do at the party this weekend. They make a special trip to buy the booze they want the most. They think of what drinks they’ll order that night at the bar when they go out with friends. They plan to get drunk on certain nights, days in advance. It consumes them, and their thoughts. All these things will seem perfectly normal because their brain has normalized it after years of substance use and abuse.
The overwhelming majority of drinkers go out and enjoy 1 or 2 drinks with their friends and leave it there. About 15-20% cannot handle their alcohol and their nights often end in a sad, drunken stupor. They may even say “I’m just going to have a couple drinks” but then as the drug hits them they suddenly want more and more and their ability to control themselves is lost. This is the sad reality for many, many who don’t yet fit the clinical definition of alcoholic.
Alcohol is the elixir of the weak, the social crutch for the insecure, the drug that many want and need. It is a scourge on society and a lie that many fall for. They go out with friends and think their “drinking buddies” care about their well-being as they walk together down the road of addiction, all the while hating the ones who truly care and are not afraid to confront them over their destructive life choices. A true friend doesn’t order you another drink; they are the ones who tell you you have a problem.
People are naïve, and generally obtuse and self-destructive in considering what alcohol does to them. More and more research has come out over the past 10-15 years and the data is now overwhelmingly clear how bad drinking is for us as individuals, and as a society. Let’s first define the various levels of alcohol consumption according to the NIÃAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). There are so many problem drinkers out there who think they have it under control.
Safe drinking – 0 drinks for men, 0 drinks for women. There is now no safe level of alcohol consumption. Every drink comes with deleterious effects. (No one should ever exceed 2 drinks in one sitting, and 2 drinks total in a week should be the upper limit).
Moderate drinking – 2 drinks in a day for men, or a total of 7 per week. 1 drink per day for women, or a total of 4 per week. This level of drinking comes with various levels of harm.
Heavy drinking – 5 or more drinks in a day for men (once in a month), or 15 or more per week. 4 or more drinks in a day for women (once in a month), or 8 or more drinks per week. These limits are also the limits that define “binge drinking” and “alcohol misuse,” according to the NIAAA.
You will never convince a problem drinker that they drink too much. The number one sign of addiction is the inability of the user to see they have a problem at all; they’ve always got it “under control.”
As Dr. Andrew Huberman, who runs the neurolab at Stanford says:
Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Stop Drinking If You Actually Care About Your Life
1) Alcohol Is Highly Addictive: Alcohol is the second most addictive drug after heroin and other opioids. This addiction can take many forms, from degenerative alcoholism to functional alcoholism; from a needed short term stress reliever to a drug necessary to enjoy social situations. Many suffer from alcohol use and misuse disorders that they think are normal, but are far from it. Addiction is weakness, not a disease, and the reliance on a substance always points to deeper problems. Another way to understand the potency and addictive nature of this drug is to be reminded that there are only two drugs whose withdrawal effects can kill you: alcohol and benzodiazepines. Perhaps one of the saddest developments over the past 20 years or so is the incidence of alcoholism and addiction that has exploded among women. Women are abusing alcohol at record rates and it’s no wonder they are suffering a mental health crisis that coincides with their increase in consumption. Young women are the most broken demographic group and alcohol is exacerbating these problems. They are lost and their lives lack purpose and meaning, so they turn to a “socially acceptable” drug to find acceptance.
2) Alcohol Is A Major Cause Of Death & Disease: According to the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, alcohol is the seventh leading cause of death and disease globally. “When you omit deaths from tuberculosis, car accidents, and suicide, alcohol moves further up the list even though it plays a major part in the latter two.” The shocking conclusion of the study stated this:
“The level of alcohol consumption that minimized harm across health outcomes was zero (95% UI 0-0-0-8) standard drinks per week. Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for global disease burden and causes substantial health loss. We found that the risk of all-cause mortality, and of cancers specifically, rises with increasing levels of consumption, and the level of consumption that minimizes health loss is zero.“
I’ve covered the diseases that alcohol is linked to in the past, but this list serves as a good reminder of the ruination it causes. Another recent study confirmed that alcohol was the third leading cause of preventable death behind smoking and obesity. It is directly linked to cancer and many other diseases. And we know that 1 in 5 deaths of adults, that’s 20%, from age 20 to 49, is from excessive drinking. Alcohol will kill you early; this is now indisputable. “Alcohol has been a level-one carcinogen for as long as we’ve been listing carcinogens…It’s on par with things like smoking, UV light, hepatitis B and human papillomavirus or HPV.”
The 3 leading causes of preventable death are smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption. But by certain metrics I would argue that drinking alcohol is probably the worst thing you can do for yourself in that the effect it has on mental health is far worse than the first two. I had someone once remark to me, that “I feel fine mentally after drinking so it doesn’t really effect me.” This person no longer knows what their optimal mental health even feels like anymore because the unending level of depressant that is in their system from drinking. Anything a regular drinker tells you about their consumption habits is most likely incorrect, for they try to hide it from watchful eyes as the spiral downwards begins.
3) Alcohol Weakens the Immune System, Gut Biome, and Skin: Alcohol is a diuretic and dehydrates your body, including the skin – and this happens every time you drink. When you drink, the dehydrating effect of alcohol means your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin. This can make your skin look wrinkled, dull and grey, or bloated and puffy. It dries out and prematurely ages your skin. If you drink, your skin will never be as healthy looking as it should.
The gut is sometimes called the body’s “second brain” as it is responsible for so much of its proper functioning. Alcohol damages the stomach lining and gut; killing the good bacteria in our stomachs. Alcohol begins to break down the lining of the stomach and the gut which allows the ethanol (toxin) to enter the body and cause further damage and disease. If you have nagging stomach issues, alcohol is likely the culprit.
Our immune system is responsible for fighting off viruses, bacteria, and disease. Alcohol weakens our immune systems and opens the drinker up to many adverse health conditions. Alcohol consumption does not have to be chronic to have negative health consequences. In fact, research shows that acute binge drinking more negatively affects the immune system than perviously thought.
I recall a conversation I had with another friend. They had just returned from an overseas trip and were in the middle of a course of antibiotics to help with an illness that they had caught. They went away to a nice country for a week, saw the sites and enjoyed themselves. But every night they went out to a bar and drank excessively till two or three in the morning. It was both sad and hilarious to hear them defend their abuse of alcohol and not think it had any effect on their health.
4) Alcohol Is Destructive Of Mental Health: Alcohol is a depressant and causes mental health issues for many drinkers. Just 25 minutes after a drink, a person reaches peak euphoria, after which the depressant feelings start to impact the user which begins the “night out’s” cycle of drink after drink to retain the original level of euphoria and ward off the onsetting depressive feelings of the come down. The depressive effects last for almost 7 full days afterward before it leaves the system; hardly a rational trade off, but no one who drinks excessively can be said to be rational.
Alcohol is a self-soothing mechanism (anxiety, fear, self-loathing, etc) and the drinker is unaware that it actually magnifies these feelings in the long term, and generally makes them worse. Many drink to help with these issues, when in fact, alcohol makes them worse.
5) Alcohol Is A Thief of Joy: This to my mind is one of the more shocking effects alcohol has on the brain. It chemically alters the brain and desensitizes our dopamine receptors and adrenal glands to real stimuli and pleasures. The alcohol-altered brain can never truly feel or never truly experience the fullness of natural pleasures and joys in life, when they are NOT drinking, for their perceptions have been altered and dulled. They cannot experience the fullness of joyful events when they are NOT drinking because of how their drinking has changed their brain chemistry.
Again, Dr. Huberman sums it up this way:
It chemically alters the brain and desensitizes our dopamine receptors to real stimuli and pleasures. Think of it this way: you go out on a Friday night to party and get drunk. Your Saturday is spent dealing with your hangover. On Sunday you decide to go for a hike in the mountains. The scenery is beautiful, the experience is nice, but you are unable to experience the hike as you should because you have impaired your brain’s ability to experience the fullness of that joy when you’re NOT drinking. What a tragedy. To put this another way, you are unable to experience positive emotions to their fullest because of your alcohol consumption:
6) Alcohol Promotes Social Weakness: Alcohol creates weakness in those that use it as a social lubricant to feel more confident. It provides the illusion of confidence and makes the person reliant on the drug to feel comfort in interacting with others, rather than motivating them to become naturally better in these social circumstances and working on becoming a more socially adept person in reality. It can only provide a drug-induced, fake confidence; never the real thing. It will ensure you stay socially weak if you rely on it.
7) Alcohol Ruins Sleep: Alcohol affects your brain in such a way that both your sleep quality and sleep quantity suffer. It causes you to wake up in the night far more frequently even if you’re not concious of it, and you do not get the required amount of REM and Deep sleep your brain needs to repair your body and brain during the night as is the norm. People confuse the sedative nature of alcohol with quality of sleep; the sedation it causes is not healthy for brain and body reparations that are needed. Here is a short clip of Dr. Huberman talking to sleep expert Matt Walker on what alcohol does to our sleep:
The alcohol industry, like most, is very corrupt. Companies like Heineken and Carlsberg paid off government officials at the NIH to promote the benefits of moderate drinking when they knew there weren’t any. The study said that moderate alcohol use reduced the risk of cardio vascular disease, when we now know the exact opposite is true. A recent peer-reviewed study showed that alcohol consumption causes life-long arterial stiffening which is a cause and precursor of cardio vascular disease and stroke. Drinkers have been brainwashed and have believed a lie for decades, and bars are filled with those naive to the damage they are doing as booze producers fool people into believing their product is essential for a good time, while it kills them slowly.
Not everything is negative, however, as there are some encouraging signs on the horizon in all the data. 38% of Americans say they do not drink at all, the highest number of abstainers in a generation. While we may lament the dark path of weekly reckless drunkenness some of our friends have chosen, there are good indications that the younger generation is yearning for a better life and leaving their poor choices behind. A recent study revealed that Gen-Z are leaving alcohol in big numbers with 65% (two thirds!) reporting not having a drink in the previous 6 months and 35% that do not drink at all. The share of adults ages 18 to 34 who say they ever drink dropped from 72% in 2001-03 to 62% in 2021-23. Only about 25% of Gen-Z are regular drinkers, with 15% of those being classified as heavy drinkers. Young people, especially Gen Z, are leading this sober trend. They care more about feeling good, being healthy and productive rather than drinking alcohol. They worry about how alcohol affects their bodies and more than any other generation are concerned about the long-term consequences of poor choices when it comes to their mental and physical well-being.
In Canada, about 15.6% of the population over 12 years old engaged in heavy drinking in at least one month in the past year (5 drinks for men, 4 for women). That is quite low, thankfully, and those who think regular drunken nights in a bar is a worthwhile pursuit is a small minority of the population. The overwhelming number of Canadians are only occasional or moderate drinkers as many understand the dangers and risks. The number of heavy drinkers, those who abuse or misuse alcohol, has declined steadily since first measured in 2015. It’s hard to imagine why anyone would still knowingly put themselves in this category. It’s evidence to the overwhelming power of this drug on some people still, and is viewed as a type of self-harm, akin to cutting or eating disorders.
In 2024, more people are choosing not to drink alcohol, and sobriety is becoming a big thing. Gen-Z is becoming known as the “sober curious” generation. The trend has shifted dramatically and it is now only a minority of people who are reliant on the drug aspect of alcohol in order for them to cope with life or enjoy things that non-drinkers are able to without the social crutch. Gen-Z is moving towards more sober gatherings and leaving alcohol because of the mental and physical toll it takes and they are becoming more aware of its negative impact on their well-being. We should be encouraged by this, but there is a long way to go.
To truly understand who you are as a person you need to remove alcohol from your life, for it masks and hides who you are. Some people don’t like themselves and use alcohol to numb their feelings of despair and self-loathing. To know yourself, and to truly love yourself, removing the blinders and fog of alcohol is a must.
Watch who you befriend. Too many people surround themselves with losers whose only comfort in their free time is drinking. If 4 of your friends are drinkers, you will be the 5th. Show me your friends, and I can show you your future habits. Choose your circle of influence wisely if you want to live a good life free from the consequences of poor choices.
People need to leave their booze behind permanently. Embrace the goodness and beauty in life, and leave the drunkenness, the hangovers, the poor life choices, and the mental and physical damage behind. We are given one chance in this life to be present, to feel, to live; for good or for ill. No longer should we laugh at and praise those who need to cauterize their souls or medicate their brains to all that is good about life. Drinkers should be mocked and shamed for these are powerful tools for behavioural change in society. We were able to successfully shame a generation of smokers and a movement needs to begin to shame those who drink. While there may be some encouraging signs on the horizon, I am not very hopeful that meaningful change can happen as alcohol consumption has become a lifestyle for many; a drug they love and can’t live without. Drinking is not freedom; it is bondage. Sometimes the slave, loves their master. If we truly loved the people around us caught up in this abusive self-harm, we would do all that we could to warn them. That is the tough love we owe them.
We have one life and it should be our desire that we, and those around us, flourish to the greatest extent possible. Living an aimless and meaningless life drunk in a bar every weekend will only help to exacerbate ones sense of loss of purpose as they wander aimlessly through life. You do not have to “give up” alcohol, for it is not a loss. Rather, you are gaining health, mental well-being, sharpness of mind, greater energy levels, being present and sharp in social situations, time, money, and a host of other benefits! You are not sacrificing anything in the end, but gaining so so much that will lead to a better life.
If you’ve made it this far and think nothing of your current drinking habits then only two conclusions can be reached: 1) you don’t care about your life or health, or 2) you have a drinking problem you refuse to address.
Listen to Harvard doctor and researcher Dr. Sarah Wakeman: “Every single drink you have increases your cancer risks.” There is no safe limit.
There’s an old Irish saying that goes “A man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes the man.” Too many have let the drink take them. They never saw it coming. Don’t let it take you too.
There comes a time when the obvious can no longer be defended or denied. The psychological operation was effective beyond their wildest dreams and the cover-up continues today.
The oft quoted George Orwell, in 1984, could not be more prescient for the times in which we live: “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”
I am under no delusions that anything written here is interesting or revolutionary. I just enjoy putting pen to paper, typing words onto a screen, and always have. It’s good to look at the world and sort out ideas in your head. It helps keep you from deception and closer to reality. Reading, thinking, writing: it is the necessary exercise for the mind.
A society controlled by government, will never know freedom.
A society ruled over by politicians, will never know prosperity.
A society administered by lawyers, will never know honesty.
A society beholden to bankers, will always be in debt.
A society that overfunds its military, will never know peace.
A society reliant on pharmaceuticals, will never be healthy.
A society permissive of drugs, will be weighed down by addiction.
A society flowing with alcohol, will be awash in depression and despair.
A society addicted to technology, will be engulfed in misery and envy.
A society dependent on the media, will never know reality.
A society infatuated by celebrity, will be shallow and stupid.
A society that lauds the vulgar, will never know virtue.
A society that normalizes deviancy, will then celebrate the perverse.
A society that exterminates the unborn, will grow in contempt for all life.
A society that reveres science, will be easily manipulated by falsehoods.
A society consumed by the present, will be ill-prepared for tomorrow.
A society that cares not for its people, will never flourish.
A society that worships the creation, will never worship the Creator.
A society that does not look heavenward, will be overcome by evil on earth.
A society that cannot stand against evil, will surely be conquered by it.
A society divorced from the bible, will never know what is true.
And a society devoid of truth, will only ever know chaos, confusion, and decay.
Over the past week, millions of documents from the infamous “Epstein Files” were made public. Much of what they revealed confirmed allegations long dismissed as the ravings of so-called conspiracy theorists. For many doubters, the veil was lifted to reveal the depth of depravity many of the world’s leaders and popular celebrities wallowed in. From kidnapping girls, to breeding for black market baby sales, to forced abortions for organ harvesting, to even darker rituals of satanic sacrifices and cannibalism, those that thought they were protected and untouchable participated in acts that would make the ancient pagans blush. When it comes to the heart of man, there is nothing new under the sun. This is not isolated wickedness, nor the private sickness of a few individuals—it is the inevitable outworking of a society that has opend the door to, embraced, and celebrated, all manner of evil.
Over the last couple weeks, two people have been killed by U.S. ICE agents in Minnesota as they obstructed law enforcement from carrying out their duties. 
Years ago in the office I had a saying I was known for, “The West is finished.” Everyone thought I was being purposely hyperbolic when i said it, but I saw that it was true, and I meant it. Whenever any news story came up that showed the decline and decay of a Western nation, I would emphatically proclaim “The West is finished.” I even said I was going to have t-shirts made up with my favourite slogan.
The alarm went off at 4:00am. I ran a tight ship on this road trip and we needed to be in the car by 4:10am to get a decent spot for our tripods at Mesa Arch at least an hour before sunrise, which was slated for 5:56am this morning. There were a few groans from both of us but we grabbed our gear and were off.
Take up and read; this was the admonishment of St. Augustine to those who wanted to understand Christianity and faith. On January 1st, 2024, I started a one year reading plan of the Bible, something I have never previously done, and finished today, early, on November 28th, 2024; 324 days total. I wanted to do this because a) I had never read it in this way before, b) It would be a challenge for me to stay disciplined, c) I wanted to view the narrative thread woven from Genesis to Revelation in one long, unfolding redemptive story, and d) I wanted my understanding of the truths contained therein to be strengthened.
For years now l’ve wanted to rent an RV or van and hit the open road. A few weeks ago I finally rented a van and spent & days and 7 nights driving, hiking, photographing, and sleeping all over my favourite place on the planet, Utah. To put it simply: it was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had and it is now my plan to make it an annual occurrence.
I do not understand the Christian infatuation over Israel and what appears to be the aiding and defending of them, without question, as they continue their war of retaliation against Islamic terror groups for the attacks of October 7th, 2023. It is not a biblical position as far as I can tell, and the differences between Christian’s and Jews could hardly be more clear. Israel can defend themselves as they see fit. I object to our aid and the notion that we are on the side of God in this battle by supporting Israel.
1) Alcohol Is Highly Addictive: 
Every morning I wake up in a country I no longer recognize.
I am under no delusions that anything written here is interesting or revolutionary. I just enjoy putting pen to paper, typing words onto a screen, and always have. It’s good to look at the world and sort out ideas in your head. It helps keep you from deception and closer to reality. Reading, thinking, writing: it is the necessary exercise for the mind.
A society controlled by government, will never know freedom.
A society ruled over by politicians, will never know prosperity.
A society administered by lawyers, will never know honesty.
A society beholden to bankers, will always be in debt.
A society that overfunds its military, will never know peace.
A society reliant on pharmaceuticals, will never be healthy.
A society permissive of drugs, will be weighed down by addiction.
A society flowing with alcohol, will be awash in depression and despair.
A society addicted to technology, will be engulfed in misery and envy.
A society dependent on the media, will never know reality.
A society infatuated by celebrity, will be shallow and stupid.
A society that lauds the vulgar, will never know virtue.
A society that normalizes deviancy, will then celebrate the perverse.
A society that exterminates the unborn, will grow in contempt for all life.
A society that reveres science, will be easily manipulated by falsehoods.
A society consumed by the present, will be ill-prepared for tomorrow.
A society that cares not for its people, will never flourish.
A society that worships the creation, will never worship the Creator.
A society that does not look heavenward, will be overcome by evil on earth.
A society that cannot stand against evil, will surely be conquered by it.
A society divorced from the bible, will never know what is true.
And a society devoid of truth, will only ever know chaos, confusion, and decay.